The main differences between Hiro Clinic and other clinics (primarily facilities certified by the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences) lie in the “freedom of testing scope” and “accessibility.”
First, regarding testing items: certified facilities are generally limited to three types: Trisomy 21, 18, and 13. In contrast, Hiro Clinic offers a wide range of options, including testing for all chromosomes, microdeletions, and gender determination.
Conditions for consultation also differ. Certified facilities may have age restrictions (e.g., “35 years or older”) or require a referral letter. Hiro Clinic has no age limit and accepts patients as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy. Additionally, our partnership with domestic laboratories allows for speedy results in as little as 2 days, and costs starting from the 50,000 yen range are significant advantages.
On the other hand, certified facilities require mandatory, in-depth face-to-face genetic counseling, offering a sense of security through strict management protocols. Please check the comparison page on the Hiro Clinic official website to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Hiro Clinic specializes primarily in NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). This test allows us to screen for chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus with high accuracy using the mother’s blood.
Specifically, the following can be determined: First, the likelihood of major chromosomal disorders such as Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. Furthermore, depending on the chosen plan, comprehensive testing is available for all autosomal chromosomes (1 to 22) and for “Microdeletion Syndromes,” where part of a chromosome is missing. In addition, abnormalities in sex chromosomes and the gender of the baby can also be determined.
We operate in multiple locations across Japan, have no age limit, and accept patients from early pregnancy (6 weeks onwards) as long as the pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound. For details, please check the Hiro Clinic official website.

If the NIPT result at Hiro Clinic is positive, it is recommended to undergo an “amniocentesis” to confirm the diagnosis.
Amniocentesis typically costs around 100,000 to 200,000 yen. However, Hiro Clinic offers a unique “Amniocentesis Support (Mutual Aid)” system. By paying a membership fee of 3,000 yen (excluding tax) at the time of NIPT testing, you can receive a subsidy of up to 200,000 yen for testing costs in the unlikely event of a positive result. This system is applicable even if the amniocentesis is performed at another medical institution.
Support after a positive result is also comprehensive. We provide a free report (excluding some plans) that quantifies the positive predictive value using our proprietary “Positive Score,” which can help you decide whether to proceed with amniocentesis. You can also consult with specialized doctors and genetic counselors, ensuring a support system that allows you to calmly consider your next steps.
Please check Hiro Clinic’s post-positive aftercare page for details.

The main reason Hiro Clinic’s testing is fast is that we have a testing laboratory within our own group in Japan.
Many medical institutions ship collected samples to overseas testing facilities, taking about 1 to 2 weeks for results. Hiro Clinic, however, completes testing domestically and improves efficiency by introducing automated pipetting machines and the latest next-generation sequencers, achieving speedy notification in as little as 2 to 3 days.
Regarding accuracy, it compares favorably with other hospitals and certified facilities. The accuracy of NIPT itself is extremely high, with a negative predictive value reaching 99.99%. Hiro Clinic uses systems from globally trusted companies like Illumina, and rapid domestic testing minimizes the risk of sample degradation. Speed does not compromise accuracy; rather, by actively adopting new technologies, we maintain high reliability.

At Hiro Clinic, the probability of an “indeterminate result” (where no result is obtained due to insufficient fetal DNA, etc.) requiring a retest is very low, estimated at about 0.3% to 0.4%.
Hiro Clinic’s NIPT boasts a very high “result reporting rate,” with data showing that 99.98% of people receive a result. The main cause of an indeterminate result is that the amount of fetal DNA in the mother’s blood (Fetal Fraction: FF) does not meet the standard. This can happen especially if the pregnancy is very early, or depending on the mother’s weight or constitution. In such cases, by waiting 1 to 2 weeks and redrawing blood, a correct determination is possible in over 85% of cases.
In the unlikely event that a result cannot be determined even after a retest, we will consult with you and a doctor regarding future steps (such as proceeding to amniocentesis) depending on the situation. Details can be found on Hiro Clinic’s explanation page regarding indeterminate results.

At Hiro Clinic, it is possible to take the NIPT test even if the pregnancy weeks are considered “too early” or “too late” by general standards.
Regarding “too early” cases: while standard clinics typically accept patients from 10 weeks of pregnancy, Hiro Clinic accepts patients from 6 weeks if the fetal heartbeat can be confirmed by ultrasound. Testing early offers the significant advantage of securing ample time for detailed examinations and decision-making in the unlikely event of a positive result.
Regarding “too late” cases: there is no upper limit on the weeks for consultation. We respond flexibly to “Late NIPT” after 15 or 18 weeks, allowing those who develop anxiety late in pregnancy to be tested.
However, since there are legal restrictions and medical deadlines for amniocentesis (which provides a definitive diagnosis for positive results), it is recommended to take the test with time to spare, ideally by around 14 weeks.

When considering both NIPT and a Fetal Dock (detailed ultrasound examination), Hiro Clinic basically recommends “taking NIPT first.”
NIPT can be done with just a blood draw and determines the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities with extremely high accuracy. It is medically rational to first check the overall risk with NIPT; if negative, you can return to regular prenatal checkups with peace of mind. If the result is positive or indeterminate, proceeding to a Fetal Dock or amniocentesis is the logical next step.
While there are cases where NIPT is taken after an abnormality is pointed out in a Fetal Dock, checking details with a specialized ultrasound based on NIPT results is considered more efficient for diagnosis and reduces the mental burden on the pregnant woman.
As of 2026, our clinic also offers plans combining NIPT and ultrasound examinations.
Please consult a doctor regarding the optimal timing for testing.

Here is information regarding our payment methods and the time required on the day of your visit.
【Payment Methods】
As of 2026, we have introduced a variety of payment methods for patient convenience. In addition to cash, major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners, etc.) are accepted. We also support various QR code payments and electronic money, so please choose the method that suits you best.
【Time Required on the Day】
The time from arrival to departure is typically very smooth, taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Since it is by appointment, waiting time is minimal. The flow consists of filling out a questionnaire, counseling by a doctor, and blood sampling. We have established a system that allows you to visit without difficulty even during work breaks or childcare.