Concierge fetal medicine · London
Amniocentesis, diagnostic prenatal testing after screening — the modern low-risk pathway.
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic prenatal test in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is taken under ultrasound guidance. Offered to confirm or exclude chromosomal or genetic conditions after a positive screening test. Modern procedure carries a very small procedure-related miscarriage risk (~0.1–0.3%).
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant in fetal medicine — the clinician performing the procedure is the same one interpreting the ultrasound and counselling on results.
- 02
Rapid answers where they matter
QF-PCR results for the common trisomies typically within 3 working days; full karyotype in 2–3 weeks.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private amniocentesis costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner fetal medicine units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standard amniocentesis with QF-PCR: £1,600–£2,400, with the rapid result in ~3 working days.
| Test type | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amniocentesis (procedure + QF-PCR) | £1,600–£2,400 | 45 min | 3 days (QF-PCR) |
| Amniocentesis + full karyotype | £1,900–£2,800 | 45 min | 2–3 weeks |
| Amniocentesis + microarray (CGH) | £2,200–£3,200 | 45 min | 2–3 weeks |
| Fetal medicine consultation + anomaly scan | £450–£750 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Targeted single-gene testing (add-on) | £600–£1,800 | — | 3–6 weeks |
| Full pathway (consult + scan + procedure + karyotype) | £2,400–£3,600 | Half-day | 3 days–3 weeks |
Prices vary by clinic, whether microarray or targeted gene testing is added, and whether pre-procedure consultation and anomaly scan are bundled. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The answer to a positive screen shouldn’t be a waiting list.
A positive combined test or NIPT is a deeply anxious moment. The diagnostic answer — the one that actually decides what happens next — should come from a consultant fetal medicine specialist, and it should come quickly.
-
Positive NIPT or combined test?
We arrange fetal medicine consultation, sampling and rapid QF-PCR — often within the working week.
-
Family history of a genetic condition?
We plan targeted single-gene or microarray testing, with a geneticist in the room.
-
Structural finding on your anomaly scan?
We fold amniocentesis into a full MDT pathway — scan, sampling and postnatal planning.
The journey
From consultation to result — what happens, in order.
One fetal medicine consultant from first consultation to results counselling.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Consultation, scan and consent
Phase 2 · On the day
~45 minutes at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Results and counselling
- 01
Before
Fetal medicine consultation
A confidential conversation with a consultant — indication, screening results, family history, and what amniocentesis can and cannot answer.
- 02
Before
Detailed anomaly ultrasound
A pre-procedure scan to confirm gestation, placental position, fluid volume and to exclude structural anomaly.
- 03
Before
Informed consent discussion
Procedure-related miscarriage risk (~0.1–0.3%), test accuracy, alternatives, and what results will and won’t tell you — written and signed.
- 04
On the day
Ultrasound-guided sampling
A fine needle is passed under continuous ultrasound guidance to withdraw ~15–20 ml of amniotic fluid. The sampling itself takes under a minute.
- 05
On the day
Anti-D immunoglobulin if RhD-negative
If you are Rhesus-D negative, prophylactic anti-D is given to prevent sensitisation.
- 06
After
Rest for 24 hours
Home the same day. Light activity only for 24 hours; no heavy lifting, exercise or intercourse.
- 07
After
Written results with counselling
QF-PCR in ~3 days; full karyotype in 2–3 weeks. Results delivered in a follow-up consultation, with onward genetic counselling if needed.
Typical end-to-end: 3 days for QF-PCR. Full karyotype: 2–3 weeks.
What it shows
When amniocentesis is the right test.
Amniocentesis answers a specific question — is there a chromosomal or genetic diagnosis behind a screening result or scan finding. These are the presentations we see most.
-
Trisomy 21 (Down’s), 18 and 13
Diagnostic confirmation of the common autosomal trisomies after a positive screen.
-
Sex chromosome abnormalities
Turner, Klinefelter, triple-X, XYY and mosaic sex-chromosome variants.
-
Single-gene disorders (targeted)
Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, thalassaemia, Duchenne and other monogenic conditions where a specific test is indicated.
-
Microarray for microdeletions
CGH microarray detects submicroscopic deletions and duplications missed by karyotype.
-
Confirmation of a positive NIPT result
NIPT is a screen — a positive result is confirmed diagnostically by amniocentesis or CVS.
-
Karyotype confirmation
Full 46-chromosome analysis where structural rearrangement or mosaicism is suspected.
-
Prenatal infection studies (rare)
PCR for CMV, toxoplasma or parvovirus B19 in selected cases with sonographic findings.
-
Red flag: positive result with structural abnormality — multi-disciplinary fetal medicine review
A chromosomal finding alongside a structural anomaly requires urgent MDT review, not a phone call.
Test options
Not all amniocentesis analyses are the same.
What each option on your consent form is actually for.
-
QF-PCR (rapid)
Quantitative fluorescent PCR for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y — the fast answer that covers the common questions.
-
Full karyotype
Cultured cell karyotype — the full 46-chromosome map. Detects structural rearrangements and mosaicism.
-
CGH microarray
Comparative genomic hybridisation — picks up submicroscopic copy-number changes at higher resolution than karyotype.
-
Targeted single-gene panel
For a specific monogenic condition in the family — e.g. cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, spinal muscular atrophy.
-
Whole-exome (selected cases)
Reserved for structural anomalies without a diagnosis on standard testing, in specialist centres.
-
Prenatal infection PCR
CMV, toxoplasma or parvovirus B19 PCR on amniotic fluid where infection is suspected.
-
Fetal blood grouping
Selected alloimmunisation cases — determining fetal Rhesus or Kell status from fluid.
-
Repeat sampling (rare)
Occasionally required for a failed culture or ambiguous result — always after MDT discussion.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of fetal medicine units, we picked them.
Partners across central and west London with dedicated fetal medicine consultants and accredited cytogenetic laboratories. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every unit in our network.
-
Consultant fetal medicine specialists (RCOG accredited)
-
Continuous ultrasound guidance and single-operator sampling
-
Cytogenetic lab with UKAS/CPA-equivalent accreditation
-
Multi-disciplinary fetal medicine review for abnormal results
Safety and eligibility
The risks — honestly stated.
Amniocentesis is invasive, but the modern procedure-related risk is small. Here are the practical points that matter.
-
Performed from 15 weeks
Earlier sampling is associated with higher complication rates and is not standard UK practice.
-
Procedure-related miscarriage risk
Modern figures in experienced hands are approximately 0.1–0.3% above the background rate.
-
Anti-D for RhD-negative women
Prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulin is given to prevent Rhesus sensitisation.
-
Rest for 24 hours
Light activity only; no heavy lifting, exercise or intercourse for 24 hours.
-
Warning signs after the procedure
Fluid loss, heavy bleeding, fever, or severe abdominal pain — contact the fetal medicine unit immediately.
-
What the test cannot tell you
It does not screen for every genetic condition — it answers the specific question asked, and does not assess structural anomaly.
-
Multiple pregnancy considerations
In twins each sac is sampled separately, with a modestly higher procedure-related risk.
-
Bring prior scans and screening results
NIPT, combined-test and anomaly-scan reports materially sharpen counselling and consent.
-
Emotional weight — this is a big decision
A specialist fetal medicine midwife supports you through consent, sampling and results.
Reading your report
A cytogenetics report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your obstetrician and geneticist — and that’s normal.
Your fetal medicine consultant will talk you through it in person. If you’d like us to explain anything beforehand, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and gestational age
Your details, indication for amniocentesis, gestation at sampling and consent record.
- 02 Procedure
Sampling technique and volume
Approach, needle gauge, fluid volume aspirated, and any procedural notes.
- 03 Findings
QF-PCR result and karyotype/microarray
The rapid QF-PCR summary for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, Y, followed by the definitive karyotype or microarray report.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, abnormal, or requiring further testing — with the concrete next step and genetic-counselling recommendation.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about amniocentesis.
Quick answers on timing, miscarriage risk, results turnaround, NIPT confirmation and the difference between amniocentesis and CVS.
-
What is amniocentesis and what does it show?
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic prenatal test in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is drawn under ultrasound guidance. It gives a definitive answer on chromosomal conditions (Down’s, Edwards’, Patau’s, sex-chromosome variants) and, where indicated, on specific single-gene disorders.
-
When is amniocentesis performed?
From 15 weeks of pregnancy onwards. Earlier sampling is associated with higher complication rates and is not standard UK practice.
-
What is the miscarriage risk?
In experienced hands the procedure-related miscarriage risk is approximately 0.1–0.3% above the background rate — materially lower than the 1% figure that older studies quoted.
-
How long do results take?
A rapid QF-PCR result for the common trisomies is typically available within 3 working days. A full karyotype or microarray takes 2–3 weeks.
-
Do I need amniocentesis if my NIPT was positive?
NIPT is a screening test with a small false-positive rate. A positive NIPT is confirmed diagnostically by amniocentesis (or CVS earlier in pregnancy) before any irreversible decision.
-
What is the difference between amniocentesis and CVS?
CVS (chorionic villus sampling) is performed earlier — from 11 weeks — and samples placental tissue. Amniocentesis is done from 15 weeks and samples fluid around the baby. Both are diagnostic; the choice depends on gestation, indication and specialist advice.
Related tests
Looking for a different test?
-
NIPT
Non-invasive prenatal screening from maternal blood — the screen that often triggers amniocentesis.
Learn more -
Anomaly scan
The mid-pregnancy detailed ultrasound assessment of fetal structure.
Learn more -
Ultrasound
General diagnostic ultrasound across pregnancy and gynaecology.
Learn more -
All tests
Browse every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more -
Endometriosis
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Menopause
Related condition guide.
Learn more -
Coil IUD IUS Insertion And Removal
Related treatment option.
Learn more -
Colposcopy With Lletz
Related treatment option.
Learn more
In practice, in London
What amniocentesis looks like on the ground in London
With amniocentesis, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. The wait for amniocentesis on the NHS depends heavily on where you live and how urgently the referral is graded. Central and West London private clinics can normally book within a week, with imaging or a procedure slot to follow shortly after. It’s worth being honest about the reason for going private: usually it’s time, not a fundamentally different test.
The mechanics are straightforward: a consultant appointment, any tests done at a nearby CQC-registered site, and a written report back within a few days. London’s density of private diagnostics — Marylebone, the City, Chelsea, Canary Wharf — means most patients can find something that fits around work without a cross-town trek. For amniocentesis specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Where a good concierge earns its keep is in the matching. There are dozens of consultants in London who see amniocentesis — but not all of them are the right fit for every case. We narrow it down based on subspecialty, insurer coverage, the specific question being asked, and whether continuity into treatment matters. The right first appointment saves you from repeating yourself later.
Nearby in the library