Maternity
NIPTI Tests
NIPTI Tests
The SAFE Test - a non-invasive prenatal screening test
What is the SAFE test?
The SAFE test is a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) for pregnant women which estimates the risk of a fetus having Down's syndrome or some other serious genetic diseases. The SAFE test is an advanced screening test that is carried out on a small maternal blood sample. Pregnant women can expect test results to be available usually within 7 calendar days from sample receipt.
This is a private service and not available on the NHS at present. Please contact us on the information below to discuss the costs.
What does SAFE screen for?
The SAFE test estimates the chance of a fetus having Down's syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards' syndrome (Trisomy 18) or Patau's syndrome (Trisomy 13). Trisomies occur when three, instead of the usual two, copies of a chromosome are present. Edwards' and Patau's syndromes are much rarer than Down's but are very serious and many babies that have one of these conditions do not survive.
Who can have the SAFE test?
- Suitable for women who are at least 10 weeks pregnant
- Suitable for all singleton and twin pregnancies
- Suitable for IVF or surrogate pregnancies
- Unsuitable for women with cancer or with a trisomy or who have undergone a blood transfusion within the last 3 months
SAFE test results
Our maternity screening department will call you with the results from the test.
Where can I get a SAFE test?
You can contact our Maternity Screening Department:
01225 825414
ruh-tr.maternityscreening@nhs.net
Further informationFor more information on NIPT tests, please follow this link: |
![]() |