Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it's natural to have questions about your baby's health and development. For expectant parents looking for additional information early in pregnancy, Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) offers a safe and highly accurate screening option for certain chromosomal conditions.

At ScanMe, we partner with Evie, a specialist antenatal care provider in Ireland, to offer NIPT testing alongside expert pregnancy ultrasound scans. With testing available from as early as nine weeks, Evie's experienced clinical team helps expectant parents make informed decisions about their prenatal care.

In this guide, we explain what NIPT testing involves, when you can have the test, what it screens for, how much it costs in Ireland and what to expect from your appointment.

What Is NIPT Testing?

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a prenatal screening test that analyses small fragments of cell-free DNA circulating in the mother's bloodstream during pregnancy.

Much of this DNA originates from the placenta and can provide valuable information about the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions affecting the baby.

Unlike invasive diagnostic procedures, NIPT requires only a blood sample from the mother's arm. It does not involve inserting a needle into the uterus or taking a sample directly from the pregnancy.

NIPT is highly sensitive for certain common chromosomal conditions, particularly Down syndrome. However, it is a screening test rather than a diagnostic test, meaning it cannot definitively confirm or exclude a condition.

What Does an NIPT Test Screen For?

NIPT primarily screens for three common chromosomal conditions.

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

Down syndrome occurs when a baby has an additional copy of chromosome 21. It can affect physical development, learning and health, although the impact varies considerably between individuals.

NIPT is particularly effective at screening for Down syndrome and can indicate whether there is a higher or lower chance of the condition.

Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)

Edwards syndrome is caused by an additional copy of chromosome 18. It is associated with significant developmental and medical complications.

NIPT can help identify pregnancies with an increased chance of Edwards syndrome.

Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)

Patau syndrome occurs when a baby has an additional copy of chromosome 13. It is a rare condition that can affect several aspects of a baby's development.

NIPT can screen for an increased or decreased chance of Patau syndrome.

Depending on the screening option selected, some NIPT tests can also assess certain sex chromosome conditions and other chromosomal abnormalities.

The conditions included vary between tests, and Evie's clinical team can explain the available options.

When Can You Have an NIPT Test in Ireland?

One of the main benefits of NIPT is that it can be performed relatively early in pregnancy.

Through ScanMe's partnership with Evie, NIPT testing is available from as early as nine weeks of pregnancy.

The exact timing depends on the screening test selected.

• From 9 weeks: Panorama NIPT is available using SNP-based screening technology.
• From 10 weeks: Evie generally offers PrenatalSeq NIPT, with a shorter expected results turnaround.

An ultrasound scan is included with your Evie NIPT appointment to assess pregnancy dates and viability before the blood test.

Having NIPT early in pregnancy can give expectant parents additional time to understand their screening results and discuss any recommended next steps with their healthcare provider.

NIPT Testing Options with Evie

Through ScanMe's partnership with Evie, expectant parents can access different NIPT screening options depending on their stage of pregnancy and individual preferences.

Panorama NIPT

Panorama is a non-invasive prenatal screening test developed by Natera. It uses single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technology to analyse cell-free DNA in the mother's blood.

Panorama is available through Evie from nine weeks of pregnancy.

It screens for common chromosomal conditions, with additional screening options available depending on the panel selected.

For tests performed during the ninth week of pregnancy, the expected turnaround is approximately ten days.

PrenatalSeq NIPT

PrenatalSeq is another non-invasive prenatal screening option offered through Evie.

It is generally available from ten weeks of pregnancy and screens for common chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome and Patau syndrome.

Results are typically available within approximately three to five working days, although laboratory processing times may vary.

Panorama Extended Panel

For expectant parents interested in additional screening, Evie also offers the Panorama Extended Panel.

This option expands screening beyond the common trisomies to include selected sex chromosome conditions and microdeletion syndromes.

The Extended Panel is available as an upgrade to the standard Panorama test, with a total listed cost of €680.

It's important to understand that screening performance varies between conditions. Expanded screening is not necessarily appropriate for every pregnancy, and some rare conditions have a greater likelihood of false-positive results.

Evie's clinical team can discuss the benefits and limitations of the different screening options to help you make an informed decision.

How Accurate Is NIPT Testing?

NIPT is one of the most accurate screening methods available for the common chromosomal conditions it assesses.

It has particularly high sensitivity for Down syndrome, although accuracy varies depending on the condition, laboratory method and individual pregnancy.

However, no screening test is completely accurate.

A low-chance result significantly reduces the likelihood of the conditions screened for, but it does not guarantee that a baby has no chromosomal or other medical conditions.

Similarly, a high-chance result does not confirm that a baby has a chromosomal condition.

If an NIPT result indicates an increased chance of a condition, your healthcare provider may recommend specialist counselling and discuss diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

NIPT also does not replace routine pregnancy ultrasound examinations, which assess aspects of fetal anatomy, growth and development that a blood screening test cannot evaluate.

What Happens During an NIPT Appointment with Evie?

Evie combines prenatal screening with ultrasound assessment and specialist antenatal support.

Your appointment generally involves three steps.

Step 1: Pregnancy Ultrasound Scan

Your appointment begins with an ultrasound scan to assess the pregnancy, including gestational age and viability.

This helps the clinical team confirm the appropriate timing for NIPT testing.

Step 2: A Simple Blood Test

A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a specialist laboratory for analysis.

The blood test itself is straightforward and does not pose a procedure-related risk of miscarriage.

Step 3: Receiving Your Results

Once the laboratory has completed its analysis, the results are reviewed and communicated through the appropriate clinical process.

Depending on your chosen test, results may be available within a few working days or take longer.

If your results require further explanation or investigation, Evie's clinical team can provide guidance and access to specialist maternal-fetal medicine support where appropriate.

How Much Does NIPT Testing Cost in Ireland?

The cost of private NIPT testing in Ireland depends on the provider and the screening panel selected.

Through ScanMe's partnership with Evie, NIPT testing currently starts from €460.

Evie also offers:

• Early Scan + NIPT package: From €510, available from ten weeks.
• Panorama Extended Panel: €680 in total, including the extended screening upgrade.

The final cost depends on the test selected and any additional screening options.

For current pricing and test availability, expectant parents should confirm the details with Evie's team before booking.

Why Choose NIPT Testing with Evie?

Choosing a prenatal screening provider involves more than selecting a blood test. Access to experienced clinical professionals, reliable information and appropriate follow-up support can make a meaningful difference.

Through ScanMe's partnership with Evie, expectant parents benefit from:

• Early testing: NIPT screening available from nine weeks of pregnancy.
• Ultrasound included: An ultrasound assessment as part of the appointment.
• Choice of screening options: Panorama and PrenatalSeq testing, with additional panels available.
• Experienced clinical support: Access to healthcare professionals who can explain results and next steps.
• Specialist expertise: Maternal-fetal medicine support when further assessment is needed.
• Convenient locations: Appointments through Evie's clinic network in Dublin, Mullingar and Sligo.
• No GP referral required: Expectant parents can contact Evie directly to arrange NIPT testing.

Evie's approach combines prenatal screening with personalised antenatal care, helping families feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Book Your NIPT Test in Ireland with ScanMe and Evie

If you're considering Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing, ScanMe's partnership with Evie makes it easy to access expert screening and pregnancy care.

Whether you're looking for early screening from nine weeks, want to understand your testing options or would like additional reassurance during pregnancy, Evie's experienced team can guide you through the process.

NIPT testing is available through Evie in Dublin, Mullingar and Sligo, with prices starting from €460.

To learn more about the available tests or arrange your appointment, visit our NIPT service page.

Explore NIPT Testing and Book with Evie

This article is intended for general information and does not replace personalised medical advice. NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. Speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits, limitations and suitability of prenatal screening for your pregnancy.

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