Safer test for Down's syndrome to be offered to pregnant women in Wales

Pregnant women in Wales are to be offered a safer test for Down's syndrome, reducing the risk of miscarriage during the testing process, the Welsh Government has announced.

It is anticipated that one to two babies will be saved from miscarriage each year in the country after the new non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) has been introduced.

Non-invasive

The move will mean far fewer women will need invasive tests including amniocentesis, which carry a 1% chance of miscarriage and about a one in 1,000 risk of serious infection.

Currently all expectant mothers in Wales are offered a combined blood and ultrasound test in the first three months of pregnancy to check for abnormalities.

Those who show a high chance of their baby developing genetic conditions such as Down's, Edwards' and Patau's syndromes are offered the invasive tests, which often involve taking a sample from the womb.

Blood test

NIPT, a blood sample analysed in a laboratory, which is expected to be rolled out in Wales next year, will be offered as an additional option to these invasive tests.

Public health minister Rebecca Evans said: 'The Welsh Government has accepted the recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee and the Wales Screening Committee to introduce NIPT as an additional option for women identified as having a higher chance for Down's, and to add screening for Edwards' and Patau's syndrome and screening in twin pregnancies within the screening pathway in Wales.

Accuracy

'NIPT is more accurate than the current primary tests.

'A negative NIPT result will offer pregnant women the reassurance they need, without the need for a further invasive diagnostic test – reducing the unnecessary harm from miscarriage that can be caused through the use of these tests.'

It was announced last October that women in England would be offered NIPT.

In Wales the introduction of NIPT will be evaluated over the next three years, in line with recommendations made by the UK National Screening Committee and the Wales Screening Committee.

Further information

• Value of difference

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