To ensure the health and peace of mind for all expectant mothers, Hiro Clinic offers a service that allows for early NIPT testing as soon as the fetal heartbeat is confirmed via ultrasound.
This service is made possible because Hiro Clinic and our genetic testing laboratory conduct thorough and proper clinical examinations!
Differences Between
Early NIPT and Standard NIPT
| Early NIPT |
Standard NIPT |
|
|---|---|---|
| Facility | Hiro Clinic | General Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics |
| Eligibility | Available for any pregnant individual | Generally limited to high-risk pregnancies only |
| Gestational Age |
As soon as fetal heartbeat is confirmed | From 10 weeks onward |
| Staff in Charge |
Doctors | Counselors |
| Test Items |
All Chromosome Aneuploidies Tests for numerical abnormalities in all chromosomes, including chromosomes 21, 18, and 13. Sex Chromosome Aneuploidies Tests for abnormalities in sex chromosomes (X or Y). Partial Deletions / Duplications Tests for deletions and duplications in chromosomes 1 to 22. Microdeletions (143 types) Tests for missing sub-microscopic segments of specific chromosomes. Autosomal Recessive Disorders Tests for genetic mutations from parents that may potentially cause diseases in the fetus. |
Trisomy 21, 18, and 13 only (Tests exclusively for abnormalities in chromosomes 21, 18, and 13) |
| Amniotic Fluid Test |
Referrals to appropriate affiliated clinics (Financial support available for amniocentesis) |
Mostly referred to university hospitals |
What is Early NIPT?
Until now, Hiro Clinic has performed NIPT based on global research papers, starting from the 10th week of pregnancy when validity is guaranteed. Recently, the Tokyo Health Laboratories, which conducts our testing, performed random NIPT on pregnant women under 10 weeks of gestation without deliberately checking their gestational age, and test results were successfully obtained for all participants.
Previously, NIPT was recommended from the 10th week of pregnancy onwards, a stage at which it was believed a sufficient amount of fetal DNA (FF: Fetal Fraction) could be detected in maternal blood. However, this clinical trial conducted by the Tokyo Health Laboratories has proven that a sufficient amount of fetal DNA (FF: Fetal Fraction) can be detected in maternal blood even before the 10th week of pregnancy.
Therefore, Hiro Clinic will now offer “Early NIPT” for pregnant women under 10 weeks of gestation. Early NIPT is available for expectant mothers whose fetal heartbeat has been confirmed via ultrasound, allowing the test to be performed without being restricted by gestational age. However, to ensure maximum testing accuracy, we still strongly recommend testing from the 10th week onwards.
*Testing before the 10th week of pregnancy may result in lower sensitivity and specificity compared to testing performed from the 10th week onwards.
*If a positive result occurs during an Early NIPT test before the 10th week, the positive predictive value (PPV) and positive score will not be reported.
Early NIPT is available for all testing plans, except for NIPTy Mini.
Testing Flow
Test under 10 weeks of pregnancy (1st test)
↓
Notification of Results
↓
Booking the 2nd test (Please book after 2 weeks have passed from the 1st test AND you are at least 10 weeks pregnant.)
↓
Notification of Results
Amniocentesis Support Plan (Eligible / Ineligible)
At Hiro Clinic NIPT, we offer three selectable support plans to subsidize the cost of an amniocentesis in the unlikely event that your test result is “positive.” Patients opting for Early NIPT can also become eligible for this coverage by paying a separate support program fee.
Amniocentesis Support Plan List
| Plan Name | Support Fee | Subsidy Details |
| Light | 3,300 JPY (tax incl.) | Covers up to 100,000 JPY of the amniocentesis cost |
| Standard | 5,500 JPY (tax incl.) | Covers up to 200,000 JPY of the amniocentesis cost |
| Wide | 11,000 JPY (tax incl.) | Covers up to 300,000 JPY of the amniocentesis cost |
Test under 10 weeks … Positive
Test from 10 weeks onwards … Positive
→
Eligible
Test under 10 weeks … Negative
Test from 10 weeks onwards … Positive
→
Eligible
Test under 10 weeks … Positive
Test from 10 weeks onwards … Negative
→
Eligible
*Amniocentesis support is not applicable for cases other than those listed above.
Early NIPT FAQ
A: Yes, NIPT becomes available as soon as the fetal heartbeat is confirmed via ultrasound. In this case, we strongly recommend taking the second test from the 10th week onwards.
A: Yes, all testing plans are available, except for NIPTy Mini.
A: Yes, you can take the test at your own risk and responsibility.
A: If a positive result occurs in either of the two tests (before 10 weeks or from 10 weeks onwards), you will be eligible for amniocentesis support. You are also eligible if you receive a positive result on the first test and proceed directly to an amniocentesis without taking the second test.
A: Once the results of your first test are available, you can book the second test through the same My Page account.
Ultrasound at 5 weeks of pregnancy: The gestational sac can be confirmed.
Ultrasound at 6 weeks of pregnancy: The crown-rump length (CRL) is 5.7 mm.
Ultrasound at 8 weeks of pregnancy
Ultrasound at 9 weeks of pregnancy
