This test is available from 10 weeks of pregnancy (calculated from the first day of your last period) and only requires a simple blood sample from the mother. From as early as 5 weeks, small fragments of fetal DNA begin circulating in the mother’s bloodstream, by week 10, there’s usually enough to deliver accurate and high-specificity results.
Unlike traditional NIPT, which looks for chromosomal conditions, this test screens specifically for inherited recessive genetic disorders. These are conditions that both parents can unknowingly carry, even if they show no symptoms themselves.
The test includes screening for five common inherited conditions:
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Beta-Thalassemia
• Sickle Cell Anaemia
• Deafness (autosomal recessive type 1A)
• Deafness (autosomal recessive type 1B)
It’s a simple way to gather more information about your baby’s health and your genetics, without needing an invasive procedure — and it includes a reassurance scan as part of the service.
Who it's for
Parents who are known carriers, or have a family history, of the genetic conditions screened
Couples where the father is over 40
Parents with ultrasound findings that may point to a monogenic (single-gene) disorder
Anyone wanting deeper insight without opting for an invasive procedure
Those looking to make empowered, informed decisions with as much information as possible
This test is available from 10 weeks into pregnancy (counting from the first day of your last period).
What happens
This appointment begins with an early pregnancy scan, just like our standalone EP service, offering a moment of calm and connection before we move into the testing stage.
Our sonographers are also trained and experienced in venepuncture, so once we’ve confirmed your preferences, they’ll take a small blood sample (usually from your arm, sometimes from your hand). We aim to make this quick, calm and as comfortable as possible.
You’ll be asked whether you’d like your baby’s gender to be included in your results, and we’ll guide you through a short consent form so the lab can begin processing your sample.
Before you leave, your sonographer will provide you with printed scan images and send the digital version (photos and video) straight to your phone.
Preparation
Come to your appointment well-fed and well-hydrated, as it makes blood collection much easier and more comfortable. Being warm also helps, so pop on a cosy extra layer before you arrive.
You don’t need a full bladder for this scan, but sipping a little water beforehand is ideal.
Have a think ahead of time about whether you’d like your baby’s gender included in the results. We’ll walk you through a short consent form before your sample is sent off for testing.
Your sonographer will provide you with printed scan images, and we’ll send digital copies and a short video straight to your phone so you can share (or save) the moment however you choose.
On the day
Have a good breakfast, stay well hydrated, and aim for a comfortably full bladder. We recommend emptying your bladder before leaving home, then sipping water (around 500ml max) up to the time of your appointment, no need to overdo it.
Being well-fed, warm, and hydrated also helps make the blood draw smoother, so wrap up, drink up, and don’t arrive on an empty stomach.
If your appointment is between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, head to Main Reception at Greetwell Place. The team there will let us know you’ve arrived.
If you’re visiting outside of these hours, follow the road through the car park to the right of the building, past the 5mph sign. Park near the ScanLinc sandwich board sign, this is our private entrance. Please note, there’s no access to the building before your appointment time when reception is closed.
We kindly ask that you wait in your vehicle or nearby at a respectful distance until we come to greet you. Not everyone is open about their pregnancy, and not everyone is having a joyful scan, your sensitivity makes a difference.
ON THE DAY
Meet Your Team
You won’t see a different face every time you walk through the door.
ScanLinc is run by just three of us - Sam, Hannah and Megan - and between us, you’re always in safe hands.
Megan Evans
Megan is a qualified, HCPC-registered Sonographer who also works within the NHS as an Obstetric Sonographer. That dual perspective means she’s not only clinically brilliant, but always in the loop with evolving NHS practices, bringing the best of both worlds to your care.
Sam Nicholls
Sam is our Clinic Director and Advanced Practitioner Sonographer. With postgraduate training in gynaecology, fertility and early pregnancy, and over two decades of NHS experience, she brings a calm, expert presence to every scan. She’s also our CQC lead and maintains her Midwifery registration, so you can be sure your care is clinically sound, safe and current.
Hannah Sleight
Hannah is our Technical Director and a qualified Sonographer. She has a knack for turning complex tech into calm, seamless experiences, from streamlining operations to keeping us at the cutting edge with the latest imaging innovations (like our 8K scan enhancements). She makes the clinic run like clockwork.