Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in the UAE
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in the UAE is available at the Mediclinic MFM Units (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Hubs) MFM Unit from 10 completed weeks. It is a maternal blood screening test for trisomies 21, 18, and 13. Performance varies by condition, laboratory, and population; a high-risk result requires diagnostic confirmation.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Expectant mothers from 10 completed weeks seeking screening for common chromosomal conditions without an invasive procedure.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians seeking reliable risk stratification for chromosomal aneuploidies using cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
Abnormal Screening
Mothers with an increased-chance or inconclusive screening result who need counselling about cfDNA screening and diagnostic options.
Second Opinion
Parents wanting to discuss screening accuracy, options, and abnormal results with MFM experts.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Consultation with the MFM specialist to review gestational age and indicators.
A simple maternal blood draw.
Laboratory processing; the expected turnaround depends on the test and laboratory and is confirmed when the sample is taken.
Review of results with the clinical team, in-person or via telehealth.
When urgent referral is needed
- High-risk NIPT result indicating Down, Edwards, or Patau syndrome requires prompt MFM consultation for diagnostic options.
- NIPT cannot replace diagnostic tests; positive results must be confirmed.
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.
It screens for the most common chromosomal trisomies: Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), as well as sex chromosome variations.
NIPT uses a standard maternal blood sample and does not involve entering the pregnancy, so it does not add the procedure-related miscarriage risk associated with invasive sampling.
For trisomy 21, many validated tests report detection above 99% in appropriate populations. Performance varies by condition and laboratory, and the positive predictive value depends on prior risk. NIPT remains screening, not diagnosis.
Yes, NIPT can determine the fetal gender with high accuracy from 10 weeks of pregnancy.
A high-risk result indicates a high probability that the baby has a chromosomal condition. It is not a definitive diagnosis and must be confirmed via CVS or amniocentesis.
A low-risk result is highly reassuring and means the chance of the screened chromosomal conditions is extremely low, though it does not rule out all genetic issues.
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
Book a Clinical Consultation
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.