About the test
What is a NIPT test?
A non-invasive prenatal screening test. It analyses cell-free DNA that originates mainly in the placenta and circulates in the mother's blood, to estimate the risk of certain chromosomal conditions in the fetus.
From which week can DaNAcare be taken?
From week 10 of pregnancy. Before that, the share of pregnancy-derived DNA is relatively low, which raises the chance that no result can be produced.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. The test is private and you can book it directly. A document may be needed for an insurance refund, and we will tell you exactly which. No fasting either.
Does the test put the pregnancy at risk?
No. It is taken by an ordinary blood draw from the mother and is not invasive to the pregnancy.
What is the difference between Basic and Advanced?
Basic focuses on the common chromosomal conditions. Advanced adds a genome-wide screen for further changes. Wider information is not automatically the right choice for everyone, which is why it matters to understand the meaning and the limits.
Where is the analysis performed?
At GGA laboratories, owned by Savyon Diagnostics, in Israel, using Illumina's VeriSeq NIPT Solution v2. The sample is not sent abroad.
Suitability for your pregnancy
Can it be done in a twin pregnancy?
Yes, but the scope of reporting differs from a singleton pregnancy. We check in advance which level suits and what can be reported in your pregnancy.
Can it be done with egg donation or surrogacy?
In many cases yes, but you need to give us the details of the pregnancy so we can confirm suitability and complete the right forms.
Can I find out the sex of the fetus?
Whether this can be reported depends on the level, the type of pregnancy and the applicable guidance. If it matters to you, we will check what is possible in your case.
Are there situations that need checking before booking?
Yes. A pregnancy that began as twins where one stopped developing, an organ or bone marrow transplant, a blood transfusion close to the test, active malignancy, or a higher-order multiple pregnancy. In those cases suitability is checked before the blood draw.
Results
What does a low-risk result mean?
That the risk for the conditions screened is low, but not zero. It does not rule out every genetic condition or birth defect.
What does an increased-risk result mean?
That a pattern was found which raises suspicion. It is not a diagnosis. Genetic counselling is recommended, and a diagnostic test should be considered as advised, before any decision is made.
Does DaNAcare replace amniocentesis?
No. NIPT is a screening test. Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are diagnostic. If an increased-risk result is returned, it must be confirmed by a diagnostic test before any decision.
Does it replace nuchal translucency or anomaly scans?
No. Those may detect findings that NIPT does not screen for, so it is important to continue your pregnancy follow-up as advised by your care team.
What happens if no result is produced?
Occasionally there is not enough information in the sample. The team and the laboratory will advise whether a repeat sample or further medical investigation is recommended.
How long does the answer take?
The turnaround time is given to you when you book. We prefer to give you an accurate number on the call rather than publish a general commitment that is not always true.
Money and logistics
Can I get a refund?
The test is private and is not in the national health basket, but there are two separate refund channels: your HMO's supplementary insurance, and private health insurance if you have it. It is worth checking both before the test, and we will provide the required documents.
Where can I take the test?
At seven medical centres: Beer Sheva, Givatayim, Jerusalem, Haifa, Petah Tikva, Herzliya and Rishon LeZion. And if you need us to, we will come to you.
Which languages do you speak?
Our team speaks Hebrew and English. The same representatives answer in both.
