How much is a non-invasive prenatal genetic test (NIPT)?

Karolina Baker

By Karolina Baker, Health Testing Specialist at AlphaBiolabs
Last reviewed: 09/09/2026

Here, we discuss the cost of non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT), how it works, and which conditions the test can screen for.

At a glance

  • NIPT is a blood test used to screen for genetic abnormalities during pregnancy, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome
  • The AlphaBiolabs NIPT is available from £279 + sample collection fee
  • All that’s required for the test is a sample of mum’s blood, which is collected from the arm, making the test 100% safe for mum and baby
  • The sample must be collected by an AlphaBiolabs clinician. This can be done at one of our nationwide walk-in centres (+£49) or at an address of your choice (+£85)
  • We provide three options for your NIPT – Standard, Advanced or Premium – with Premium offering the most comprehensive prenatal genetic screening available at AlphaBiolabs

Table of contents

What is non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT)?

NIPT is a screening test performed during pregnancy to detect potential chromosomal abnormalities in the foetus, such as Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau’s syndrome.

The test can be performed from 10 weeks into pregnancy and uses next-generation sequencing to analyse foetal DNA that circulates in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. 

All that’s required for an AlphaBiolabs NIPT is a blood sample, which is collected from the mother’s arm, making the test non-invasive and 100% safe for mum and baby.

How does NIPT test work?

Our non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is 100% risk-free for mother and baby, using next-generation sequencing to analyse foetal DNA and detect chromosomal abnormalities.

All that’s required for our NIPT is a blood sample from the mother. You must be at least 10 weeks’ pregnant when the sample is collected, as confirmed by an ultrasound scan (NHS or private).

Your blood sample collection should be arranged within 1 week of the scan, to ensure the most accurate dating of your pregnancy when the test is carried out.

What does the NIPT screen for?

AlphaBiolabs uses next-generation sequencing to analyse foetal DNA for certain genetic conditions, including the most common chromosomal abnormalities, from 10 weeks into pregnancy.

We provide three options for your NIPT. Whichever test you choose, you’ll receive your password-protected results by email in just 6 business days.

You can also find out the sex of your baby at no extra cost. This is completely optional, and we will not share this information unless you have asked us to do so.

Standard NIPT

Screens for the three most common chromosomal conditions – Down’s (Trisomy 21), Edwards’ (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13).

While Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome are both extremely rare, they are much more serious than Down’s syndrome. Sadly, many babies affected by Edwards’ or Patau’s syndrome do not survive.

Advanced NIPT

Screens for the three common trisomies covered by our Standard test, plus all other automosal aneuploidies (AAs) and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs).

An autosomal aneuploidy is a genetic condition caused by having an incorrect number of chromosomes, usually an extra chromosome, or a missing copy of a chromosome.

Sex chromosome aneuploidies are a group of genetic conditions that are caused by having an abnormal number of sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes).

The additional AAs and SCAs that our Advanced test looks for include severe chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner Syndrome, Klinefelter Syndrome, XYY Syndrome (Jacob’s Syndrome) and Trisomy X, that can often cause pregnancy loss (miscarriage or stillbirth).

Premium NIPT

Includes everything covered in our Advanced test, plus six specific microdeletions, a group of conditions cause by the absence of a small portion of specific chromosomes.

  • 1p36 deletion syndrome
  • Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (4p16.3 deletion)
  • Cri-du-Chat syndrome (5p15 deletion)
  • Prader-Willi syndrome (15q11.2-q13 deletion)
  • Angelman syndrome (15q11.2-q13 deletion)
  • DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion)

The inclusion of microdeletions makes this test the most comprehensive of the three prenatal genetic tests we offer at AlphaBiolabs.

Can I get a free NIPT on the NHS?

NIPT is increasingly being offered by the NHS. However, it is only available for pregnant women who are deemed at high-risk of carrying a baby affected by Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome or Patau’s syndrome.

The AlphaBiolabs NIPT can be taken by any expectant mother from just 10 weeks pregnancy, giving you peace of mind, or providing you with the information you need to make important decisions about your pregnancy.

Traditional Screening Tests AlphaBiolabs NIPT
Multiple procedures over the course of the first and/or second trimester One laboratory test at any time over 10 weeks gestation
Combined screening identifies around 85% of babies with Down’s syndrome and 80% of babies with Edwards’ or Patau’s syndrome The AlphaBiolabs NIPT test detects  over 99.9% of babies with Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome
Reduced performance of screening in twin pregnancies Equivalent performance of screening in both twin and singleton pregnancies
Results are provided following several tests, which can take some time Results provided within 7 business days
Can involve invasive methods that can harm the mother and baby and carry an increased chance of miscarriage Blood test taken from mother’s arm, posing no risk to mother or baby
No early gender identification Gender identification available from 10 weeks

How much does an AlphaBiolabs NIPT cost?

We provide three options for your NIPT. All tests include optional, FREE foetal sex determination.

  • Standard AlphaBiolabs NIPT 
    £279 + sample collection fee
    Ideal if you want to screen for the three most common chromosomal abnormalities – Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13).
  • Advanced AlphaBiolabs NIPT 
    £309 + sample collection fee
    Includes testing for the three trisomies covered by our Standard test, plus all other autosomal aneuploidies (AAs) and sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs).
  • Premium AlphaBiolabs NIPT 
    £689 + sample collection fee
    Includes everything covered in our Advanced test, PLUS six specific microdeletions, a group of conditions cause by the absence of a small portion of specific chromosomes.  The inclusion of microdeletions makes this test the most comprehensive of the three prenatal genetic tests we offer at AlphaBiolabs.

Whichever test you choose, the mother’s blood sample must be collected by an AlphaBiolabs clinician. This can be done at one of our nationwide walk-in centres (+£49), or at an address of your choice (+£85).

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Karolina Baker, AlphaBiolabs

Karolina Baker

Health Testing Specialist at at AlphaBiolabs

Karolina joined AlphaBiolabs in 2021, and holds the role of Health Testing Specialist.

As well as overseeing a range of health tests, Karolina plays an active role in the research and development of the company’s latest health test offerings.

Before joining AlphaBiolabs, Karolina worked as an Associate Practitioner at Mid-Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and as a research assistant at the Turner Laboratory, within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester.

Karolina’s main scientific interests include clinical genomics and genetic diagnostics. Her qualifications include a BSc in Molecular Biology and an MSc in Genomic Medicine.

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