Now available. Non-invasive prenatal testing for Down Syndrome

HARLEY STREET, U.K. - March 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Non-invasive prenatal testing for Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders is now available at the London Ultrasound Centre. This simple and risk-free blood test, which has accuracy greater than 99%, can be performed from just 10 weeks' gestation, two weeks ahead of the 12 week antenatal scan, and presents a safe and accurate alternative screening before considering invasive procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

Screening for Down Syndrome can be a nerve-wracking time for expectant parents. Our current 12-week screening tests have limited accuracy (varying from 78 to 95%) and the results can be confusing, even worrying. The only way to be sure if your unborn child is unaffected by Down Syndrome (or other genetic disorders) is by an invasive diagnostic procedure like a CVS or amniocentesis. However, these can be worrying experiences and are associated with a risk of miscarriage of 1-2%.

Rapid technological developments mean that non-invasive prenatal testing will eventually replace the current 12-week screening tests (though not the actual ultrasound scan). The non-invasive test will be welcomed by parents who wish to avoid the risks of miscarriage posed by invasive techniques and will also offer a useful "second opinion" screening for those who have had a non-reassuring 12 week nuchal scan.

The London Ultrasound Centre is pleased to offer this state-of-the-art service to all patients six days a week, including late on Thursdays. Self referrals are welcome and there are often same day appointments available.

Mr Darryl Maxwell, Medical Director at the London Ultrasound Centre said: “We are delighted to be one of the first private clinics to be able to offer this new non-invasive approach to first trimester screening at our Harley Street clinic in central London.

“This prenatal test for Down Syndrome produces a highly accurate result without risk to the mother or baby and I believe it brings a new and exciting clinical technique to early pregnancy care.

“As always we strive to offer our patients the most accurate, reliable screening combined with a convenient, efficient service, and the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test complements our portfolio of high quality ultrasound diagnostic services.”

The Non-Invasive Prenatal Test at The London Ultrasound Centre costs from £750 which includes a necessary ultrasound scan. To find out more or book an appointment, visit http://www.thelondonultrasoundcentre.co.uk/ or call 020 7908 3878.

* This simple and risk-free blood test screens for Down Syndrome (and other genetic disorders) with greater than 99% accuracy. The Harmony™ Prenatal Test by Ariosa is currently only available privately and is similar to the MaterniT21™ Plus test by Sequenom or the in that it works by analysing microscopic samples of fetal DNA that are present in the mother’s blood stream.

* For further information please contact Emma Smith on 020 7563 4310 or Emma.Smith@thelondonwomensclinic.com