The Optima NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) is a cutting-edge screening option designed for expectant parents who seek detailed insights into their baby’s genetic health. Utilizing advanced technology, the Optima NIPT analyzes cell-free fetal DNA present in the mother’s blood, allowing for early detection of potential chromosomal abnormalities, including conditions such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13.
Optima NIPT & Plus+ in Leeds
From £235 total without a scan
£235 NIPT package fee + £35 phlebotomy. An optional viability scan is £50 extra.
This highly accurate and safe test can be performed as early as 9 weeks into the pregnancy, providing parents with valuable information that can help guide their decisions moving forward. With a straightforward blood draw, the Optima NIPT minimizes risk to both mother and baby while delivering reliable results. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you through this process, ensuring you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.
Compare four prenatal screening panels at Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic. Testing is available from 9 weeks, subject to suitability, with blood collection at our Leeds clinic.
From 9 weeks
After a suitable pregnancy scan.
5–7 working days
Usually after laboratory receipt and acceptance; shipping adds time.
A screening test
Results estimate chance. They do not confirm a diagnosis.
Before you choose: NIPT does not replace routine scans or antenatal care. A higher-chance finding needs specialist discussion and diagnostic confirmation before pregnancy decisions are made.
Compare panels and prices
All panels screen for the three common trisomies. Extra screening is optional. The suitability and reportable scope depend on your pregnancy.
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every panel.
| Screening and fees | PANEL AOptima NIPTCommon trisomies | PANEL BOptima NIPTAdds sex chromosome screening | PANEL COptima NIPTAdds microdeletions | PANEL DOptima NIPT Plus+Adds parental inherited-risk assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trisomies 21, 18 and 13Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Optional Y-chromosome reportingWhen requested and reportable | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Five sex chromosome conditions | — | Included | Included | Included |
| Seven microdeletion syndromes | — | — | Included | Included |
| Inherited-risk assessment for 100 conditionsSelected parental variants; this does not confirm the baby’s genotype | — | — | — | Included |
| Samples | Maternal blood | Maternal blood | Maternal blood | Maternal blood + biological father’s cheek swab |
| NIPT package feePhlebotomy is charged separately | £235 | £285 | £335 | £485 |
| Extra phlebotomy feeApplies to every NIPT package | + £35 | + £35 | + £35 | + £35 |
| Total payable without a scanNIPT package fee + £35 phlebotomy | £270 | £320 | £370 | £520 |
| Optional viability scanAdditional to the total above | + £50 | + £50 | + £50 | + £50 |
| Total payable with a scanNIPT package fee + £35 phlebotomy + £50 scan | £320 | £370 | £420 | £570 |
Phlebotomy is £35 extra on every package. It is separate from the NIPT fee. The total rows show the full amount payable with or without the optional £50 viability scan.
Panel availability and reporting restrictions apply, particularly for twins or a vanishing twin. A suitable previous scan report is required when booking without a scan.
What does each panel screen for?
Panels A–D: common trisomies
- Down’s syndrome — trisomy 21
- Edwards’ syndrome — trisomy 18
- Patau’s syndrome — trisomy 13
Panels B–D: sex chromosome conditions
- Turner syndrome — 45,X
- Triple X syndrome — 47,XXX
- Klinefelter syndrome — 47,XXY
- XYY syndrome — 47,XYY
- XXYY syndrome — 48,XXYY
Panels C–D: seven microdeletions
- 22q11.2 deletion (DiGeorge) syndrome
- 1p36 deletion syndrome
- Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome
- Smith–Magenis syndrome
- Cri-du-chat syndrome
- Prader–Willi syndrome
- Angelman syndrome
Microdeletion screening assesses selected deletions. These syndromes can have other genetic causes that the test will not detect.
More screening is not automatically better for every pregnancy. The evidence and meaning of a higher-chance result differ by condition. Rarer-condition screening can have a lower positive predictive value. Routine microdeletion screening is not recommended by all professional guidelines. Discuss expanded Panels B, C or D before choosing.
What does Optima NIPT Plus+ add?
Plus+ (Panel D) includes the screening in Panel C and adds parental carrier analysis for selected variants associated with 100 autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions. The parents’ findings are used to estimate inherited risk for the pregnancy; this does not confirm that the baby has inherited a condition.
Maternal blood sample
For chromosome screening and maternal genetic analysis.
Biological father’s cheek swab
For paternal genetic analysis and the additional inherited-risk assessment.
Plus+ is not suitable for donor-egg or surrogate pregnancies. Both biological parents must provide the required samples. Suitable IVF pregnancies using the mother’s own eggs may be considered. A known family history can require a different genetic test.
Your appointment, step by step
1. Have your pregnancy scan
The report must confirm viability, gestational age and estimated due date. A suitable NHS or other provider’s scan can be accepted.
2. Discuss the panel and give consent
We check suitability and explain the options, limitations and chosen package price. Tell us about twins, IVF, donor conception, a vanishing twin or relevant treatment.
3. Provide the samples in Leeds
Blood is collected at Miracle Inside and sent to Optima’s laboratory in Cyprus. Plus+ also needs the biological father’s cheek swab.
4. Receive and discuss your report
Results usually take 5–7 working days after laboratory receipt and acceptance. We advise on appropriate next steps; higher-chance or inconclusive results need further discussion.
Scans and blood tests use separate booking systems. Ask the team to coordinate your appointments if you need both.
Understanding your result
Lower chance
The chance of the screened conditions is reduced. It is not zero, and the result does not rule out all genetic or developmental conditions.
Higher chance
This is not a confirmed diagnosis. Your maternity or fetal medicine team can discuss the finding and offer diagnostic testing such as CVS or amniocentesis, as appropriate.
Inconclusive / no result
The sample may not be interpretable, for example because there is too little pregnancy-related DNA. This is not a lower-chance result. Further clinical discussion is needed.
For the Plus+ inherited-condition component, a higher-chance finding may reflect parental carrier status and an estimated inheritance risk. Interpretation depends on the condition. Screening results need diagnostic confirmation before pregnancy decisions are made.
Our partnership with Optima Genetics
Miracle Inside has established a partnership with Optima Genetics in Cyprus. Optima was founded by Professor Philippos Patsalis, founder and former CEO of NIPD Genetics, the company behind VERACITY and VERAgene. After Medicover acquired a controlling stake in NIPD Genetics in 2022, he went on to establish Optima as a separate company.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions. For advice about your own pregnancy, speak to the clinic and your maternity clinician.
What is Optima NIPT?
Optima NIPT is a non-invasive prenatal blood screening test. It assesses the chance of selected chromosome conditions using cell-free DNA in maternal blood. Pregnancy-related DNA mainly comes from the placenta. It is a screening test, rather than a diagnosis.
When can I have the test?
Optima offers testing from 9 weeks of pregnancy, subject to suitability. A suitable pregnancy scan must take place before blood collection. The clinic checks gestational age, pregnancy details and medical history before arranging the test.
How much does Optima NIPT cost at Miracle Inside?
The NIPT package fees are £235 for Panel A, £285 for Panel B, £335 for Panel C and £485 for Plus+ (Panel D). Phlebotomy is £35 extra for every package. Totals without a scan are £270, £320, £370 and £520 respectively.
Can I add a viability scan?
Yes. An optional viability scan costs £50 extra. The totals for NIPT, the separate £35 phlebotomy fee and the scan are £320 for Panel A, £370 for Panel B, £420 for Panel C and £570 for Panel D. A suitable NHS or other provider’s scan report can be used when you book without a scan.
How long do results take?
Optima usually reports in 5–7 working days after samples have been received and accepted at its laboratory in Cyprus. This is not measured from the blood appointment. Shipping, weekends, repeat sampling and biological or technical issues can add time.
What samples are needed for Plus+?
Plus+ needs a maternal blood sample and a cheek swab from the biological father. Its inherited-condition component uses parental genetic information to estimate the chance of the baby being affected. It does not confirm the baby’s genotype or assess every possible variant.
Can I have NIPT with twins, IVF or a donor conception?
Some Optima screening is available for twins and IVF pregnancies, but panel and reporting restrictions apply. Plus+ is not suitable for donor-egg or surrogate pregnancies. A vanishing twin needs specialist assessment. Sex chromosome screening in twins has limited supporting evidence and is not recommended in current SMFM guidance. Contact the clinic before booking.
Can I find out my baby’s sex?
The panels include Y-chromosome detection, which may provide fetal sex information when requested and reportable. Tell the clinic if you do not want this information. Reporting depends on pregnancy type and laboratory limitations.
Do I need to fast?
Fasting is not normally needed for NIPT. Bring your pregnancy scan report and photo ID. Tell the clinic about relevant medical history and treatment, including transfusions, transplants or cancer. Other blood tests taken at the same visit may have different preparation requirements.
What happens after a higher-chance or inconclusive result?
A higher-chance result needs discussion with your maternity or fetal medicine team and an offer of diagnostic testing such as CVS or amniocentesis, as appropriate. An inconclusive result is not a lower-chance result; repeat sampling or other testing may be discussed. A lower-chance result reduces risk but does not rule out all health conditions.
Does NIPT replace my NHS scans or antenatal care?
No. NIPT does not replace routine ultrasound scans, the 20-week anomaly scan or antenatal care. A concerning scan finding or a known family history may require a different genetic or diagnostic pathway. Discuss these circumstances with your maternity clinician.
Ask about an Optima NIPT appointment
Packages start at £235 plus £35 phlebotomy — £270 total without a scan. The optional viability scan is £50 extra.
Miracle Inside Diagnostic Scan Clinic
218A–218B Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 6ER
Appointments are subject to availability.
Sources and further reading
- Optima NIPT: clinician information
- Optima NIPT Plus+: patient information
- Optima NIPT Plus+: clinician information
- NHS screening: choices after a higher-chance result
- SMFM: cell-free DNA screening guidance
Information checked against the listed sources on 5 November 2026. Test suitability, reporting and follow-up are confirmed before booking.