Abnormal & High-Risk NIPT Care in the UAE
An abnormal or high-risk NIPT result in the UAE requires expert clinical interpretation and counseling by Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists at Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs). Since NIPT is a screening test, an abnormal result must be discussed and confirmed using diagnostic procedures such as CVS or Amniocentesis.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers who received a high-risk or positive NIPT result for Down syndrome, trisomy 18, 13, sex chromosomes, or microdeletions.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians seeking rapid clinical referral and invasive testing confirmation for patients with abnormal cell-free DNA screens.
Abnormal Screening
Mothers whose NIPT indicated sex chromosome aneuploidies or rare autosomal trisomies.
Second Opinion
Parents seeking detailed positive predictive value (PPV) calculations and fetal ultrasound evaluation.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Immediate review of the NIPT report and clinical history with the MFM specialist.
Detailed high-resolution fetal ultrasound scan to check structural indicators.
Detailed discussion of PPV, diagnostic confirmation options, and their safety.
Scheduled confirmatory testing (CVS if <14 weeks, Amniocentesis if ≥15 weeks) if desired.
When urgent referral is needed
- Vaginal bleeding or amniotic fluid leakage.
- Severe pelvic pain or regular cramping.
- Fever or signs of infection after invasive procedure.
Where the service is available
Available across Mediclinic MFM hubs in Abu Dhabi (Airport Road Hospital) and Al Ain (Al Jowhara Hospital), with referral pathways coordinating care for patients nationwide.
Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM
Specialists Available
Fellowship-trained, internationally recognized consultants offering evidence-based precision care.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineConsultant in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi with more than 25 years of experience, University of Toronto fellowship training, and Arab and Saudi Board certification in OBGYN.
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Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG
Consultant in Fetal & Maternal MedicineOver three decades of clinical excellence, serving as Chair of Fetal Medicine at Corniche Hospital from 2014-2025.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineFormer Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Corniche Hospital with immense experience leading tertiary maternity services.
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Dr. Najwa Mohamed El Fky
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine SpecialistConsultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnosis, and obstetric ultrasound.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal Fetal MedicineFrench-trained MFM expert proficient in invasive therapeutic procedures and multiple pregnancy complications.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Associate ProfessorInternationally trained specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience, renowned for advanced fetal neurology and cardiology.
View Full ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.
No, NIPT is a screening test that analyzes placental DNA. It has false positives, and a definitive diagnosis requires confirmation via CVS or amniocentesis.
PPV is the probability that a baby actually has the condition when the NIPT result is high-risk. It depends heavily on maternal age and the specific condition.
CVS is performed between 11 and 14 weeks, while Amniocentesis is done from 15 weeks onward.
False positives can be caused by confined placental mosaicism (where the abnormality is only in the placenta, not the baby), maternal chromosomal variations, or vanishing twin syndrome.
Getting Here & Access
Our two hubs cover the country: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Patients from Dubai (about 60–75 minutes on the E11), Sharjah, Ajman and the Northern Emirates typically attend the Abu Dhabi hub, while Al Ain and Eastern Region families are seen locally. Referrals are coordinated so travel is minimised and, wherever possible, imaging, counselling and any procedure are grouped into as few visits as possible.
Insurance & Coverage
Across both hubs we work with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Coverage and pre-authorisation vary by plan and emirate, so our team confirms eligibility and arranges approvals before you travel. Self-pay packages are available nationwide.
Areas We Serve
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Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.