Non-Invasive Prenatal Genetic Testing (NIPT)
at Hiroo Ladies Clinic
Welcome to Hiroo Ladies Clinic.
We understand that being pregnant in a foreign country can bring unique questions and anxieties. To support you and your growing family, we offer genetic counseling and Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in English.
Before you book, please read these important points
English support is available for genetic counseling and NIPT consultations.
Fees for English-language services differ from our standard self-pay fees for Japanese-language consultations.
The final total depends on the scope of language support and counseling, and will be confirmed in advance.
We are a small boutique clinic. Depending on your medical situation (for example, complex maternal–fetal conditions or high-risk complications), we may recommend consultation at, or referral to, a larger general or university hospital.
When needed, we promptly coordinate with an appropriate facility—such as our partner institution, The Jikei University Hospital—so that your care remains safe and continuous.
●Understanding NIPT: A Gentle Screening Test
NIPT (also called cell-free DNA screening) is a prenatal screening test. It uses a simple blood draw from the pregnant person to estimate the chance of certain chromosomal conditions in the fetus.
Because it is a blood test, the blood draw itself has no procedure-related miscarriage risk, unlike invasive diagnostic tests (such as amniocentesis). In general, NIPT can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy.
●How common are congenital conditions?
Congenital conditions (sometimes called birth defects or congenital disorders) occur in a meaningful number of pregnancies worldwide. Estimates vary by region and definition, but many public health sources report that roughly 3-6% of babies are born with a congenital condition. [1,2] Please note: NIPT does not screen for most congenital conditions.
●What does our NIPT screen for?
At certified facilities in Japan, NIPT is typically offered for three common autosomal trisomies:
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Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
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Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
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Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) [4]
●How accurate is it?
NIPT is a highly sensitive screening test for these common trisomies. Reported performance varies by condition and study, but in large studies, sensitivity for trisomy 21 is commonly around 99%. Even with excellent screening performance, false-positive and false-negative results can occur. Therefore, NIPT is not a definitive diagnostic test.
●Important limitations (please read carefully)
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Screening—not diagnosis: A “positive” result means the chance is higher, but it does not confirm a diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis requires diagnostic testing (e.g., amniocentesis). [3]
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Scope: NIPT only addresses specific chromosomal conditions. A “negative” result does not rule out all genetic or congenital conditions. [3]
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“No-call” or inconclusive results: Sometimes a result cannot be reported (for example, due to low fetal fraction). A repeat blood draw or another approach may be recommended. [3]
●Why Choose Us for Your NIPT Journey?
As a facility providing NIPT in accordance with Japan’s prenatal testing certification framework, we aim to provide safe and ethical care with appropriate pre- and post-test counseling.[4]
Your consultation is led by our Clinic Director, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and Clinical Genetics Specialist/Instructor. He has long-standing experience in prenatal diagnosis research and clinical practice, including training in Boston under Prof. Diana Bianchi, an internationally recognized researcher in prenatal screening.
We also value psychological well-being. If you feel anxious about testing or decision-making, we offer compassionate counseling during pregnancy and postpartum as needed, and will connect you with additional support services when appropriate.
●If Your NIPT Result Is “Positive”
If NIPT indicates a higher chance of a chromosomal condition, we will explain the result carefully, provide emotional and decision-making support, and discuss next steps, including confirmatory diagnostic testing when appropriate. [3]
When appropriate, we promptly refer you to our partner tertiary care hospital, The Jikei University Hospital, for further evaluation and ongoing care.
Amniocentesis is an invasive diagnostic procedure typically performed around 15–18 weeks of pregnancy. Modern estimates suggest a small procedure-related miscarriage risk, often cited around 0.1–0.3%, depending on patient factors and setting. [3]
●Fees and Payment Information
Please be aware that NIPT is an elective, self-pay procedure and is not covered by Japanese National Health Insurance.
Our standard baseline fees are as follows:
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NIPT Test Fee: JPY 99,000 (JPY 108,900 incl. tax)
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English Genetic Counseling Fee: JPY 30,000 (JPY 33,000 incl. tax)
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Initial Consultation Fee: JPY 6,000 (JPY 6,600 incl. tax)
We accept cash, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, UC, UnionPay), and electronic money (Suica, QUICPay, iD).
●How to Prepare and What to Bring
The NIPT process typically requires two visits:
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Visit 1: Genetic counseling and blood draw
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Visit 2 (usually about 10 days later, although timing may vary): Review and explanation of the results
Appointments are required.
You can book online anytime (24/7, except during occasional system maintenance) or call us at 03-5447-2900.
Before your visit, please watch our introductory video and complete the consent form and medical questionnaire at home (instructions will be provided).
Pre-learning video viewing
●What to bring on the day of your visit:
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A valid photo ID (Residence Card / Zairyu Card, or Passport)
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Your Japanese Health Insurance Card (if applicable; for identification purposes)
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Completed NIPT consent form and medical questionnaire
We are here to support you and your family with accurate information, expert care, and compassion. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
●References
[1] World Health Organization (WHO). Congenital disorders / birth defects: about 6% worldwide (Fact sheet, updated 2023).
[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1 in 33 babies is born with a birth defect (facts & statistics, updated 2026).
[3] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Practice Bulletin No. 226: Screening for Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities (2020) and related guidance.
[4] Japan prenatal testing certification information site (こども家庭庁). Certified facilities’ NIPT is limited to trisomies 21/18/13, and provides counseling and referral pathways.