Although it is not licensed, I chose Hiro Clinic because I was attracted by the fact that the procedure up to the examination could be completed online. The procedure was very easy and I was able to make an appointment for the date and time I wanted, even though it was last minute. On the day of the procedure, after listening to the explanation from the nurse, I went through the videos and documents on my own, followed by the doctor’s interview (which was very simple), and then immediately a blood sample, which took about 20 minutes in total and went very smoothly. This was my second pregnancy and I had already had NIPT at a different place the first time, so I didn’t feel too anxious and was satisfied with such a simple and smooth test!
As I was 43 years old and my husband was 48 years old, we were planning to have an NT scan test for our second pregnancy and prenatal diagnosis. However, I was told that the NT scan test is only available up to 13 cycles and NIPT is only available at 16 cycles. I was in a hurry and decided to go to Hiro Clinic Tokyo Ekimae clinic because they had an easy-to-understand website, a price plan and I could make an appointment on the same day! At the clinic, I was immediately shown to a private room and watched a video of the NIPT test on a tablet to study. The infection control measures were also perfect. I also entered a mutual membership fee of 3,000 yen, which subsidises up to 200,000 yen for an amniotic fluid test if the test is positive. The female doctor then answered my concerns and questions about the test carefully, firmly and repeatedly, which made me feel at ease and allowed me to decide on a final plan and undergo the test. The doctor also explained the case of the chromosomal abnormality that I did not understand using a video on a tablet, so I could understand it well. The nurses were kind and we were both surprised that no blood came out of my arm at first due to tiredness and lack of water, but they said it happens from time to time. The subsequent blood sample was taken successfully and there was no pain at all, I just felt sick with morning sickness so I was allowed to rest in a private room for a little while and then I was given my bill. I received my test results within four days and could check them online. I am glad I had the NIPT test and I am very happy to have had it at Hiro Clinic.
The couple decided to undergo NIPT before undergoing IVF, as they would be 36 years old at the time of delivery. I only had the Trisomy 21 test when I was 13 weeks pregnant. We decided to go to Hiro Clinic because other clinics did not offer a stand-alone test and the cost was high, and here, according to the reviews, the test results seemed to be fast and there was support for an amniotic fluid test up to 200,000 yen if it was positive. I chose the cheapest stand-alone test, but I wasn’t offered other more expensive tests, the blood sampling was painless and the doctors and nurses were very impressive. I think it took about 30 minutes from reception to the bill. Before the appointment, I called twice to ask about any concerns I had over the phone. I had written down what I wanted to ask beforehand and I asked a number of questions, which were very polite and good. I received the results four days later. It was negative and I was relieved. I am glad I had it at Hiro Clinic.
At 17 weeks and 0 day, I received the result of the Quattro test from the maternity hospital where I was due to give birth, with a result of 1 in 78 for 21 trisomy only. It took two weeks to get the results of the NIPT at the maternity hospital, and if it was positive, my schedule was very tight afterwards. We were able to make an appointment about two hours later that day and headed there. It was easy to find, located on Yaesu Street just outside Tokyo Station. After the reception, I watched an explanatory video, received an explanation from the doctor and had my blood drawn, all in about 45 minutes. The explanation was simplified, but it was enough for me as I had been briefed at the maternity hospital and had done my own research. There is also a mutual aid scheme that covers the cost of the amniotic fluid test if it is positive, up to 200,000 yen, which gives me peace of mind. I was only tested for chromosome 21, which I was concerned about during the quaternary test, and I was thankful that the price was reasonable. I heard that it depends on how busy it is, but in my case, I had the test on a Saturday and received the results on Tuesday evening, which was a real relief. Anyway, I think it’s a really great clinic if you want results quickly and at an affordable price, and if you want to have NIPT.
I became pregnant at the age of 33 and tested here because I could not take NIPT at licensed facilities due to age restrictions. The test items differ according to the plan, so you need to find out what is involved yourself. I made an appointment in advance to go, and on the day of the test, I watched an explanatory video in a private room and met with the doctor before having my blood taken. It may depend on the day of the week and time of day, but on weekday afternoons it was smooth with no waiting. I had the test on Tuesday afternoon and received the results on Saturday morning (no extra charge). It was good to get the results in the early days and the waiting time was shorter than at other laboratories. Basically, I have no complaints about the service, but the only thing I would like to see corrected is that the icon for the location of the clinic on GoogleMAP is for the building next door and I initially entered the next building by mistake.
This time I was 10 weeks pregnant and went to Hiro Clinic Tokyo Ekimae clinic, which was referred to me by a friend, to have NIPT. This time I was tested for Down’s syndrome only. It was more like an office than a hospital. After reception, I was immediately taken to a private room and watched a video for about 15 minutes. After that, I had blood taken, listened to the doctor and signed a consent form. (about 5 minutes) It took a little over 20 minutes from the reception to the bill. The nurse who took my blood was very easy to talk to and kind, which made me feel at ease, even though I am not usually good at taking blood samples. The results of the test were emailed to me three days later and I logged in to view the results. I received my results very quickly!
