Hiro Clinic’s Unique High Precision Original Examination
We offer exclusive examination results combining Illumina and Medicover technologies.
Hiro Clinic offers cutting-edge NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing). This test combines the advanced technologies of Illumina and Medicover, achieving the highest levels of accuracy and reliability. The test results provided by our clinic are exclusive to Hiro Clinic, ensuring unmatched precision in the country.
Benefits of Combining Two Testing Systems
The systems from Illumina (Verinata) and Medicover each boast high testing accuracy individually, but combining both offers a significant advantage in achieving even higher accuracy. Hiro Clinic provides testing through the BM Plan, GM Plan, and FM Plan, combining these to cover chromosomes 13, 18, 21, and sex chromosomes. Illumina examines all chromosomes extensively, while Medicover focuses on specific ranges, allowing for detailed testing that includes subtle microdeletions. Particularly effective for twins, Medicover’s testing excels, enhancing testing accuracy across various scenarios by combining both systems. In cases where results differ between the two tests, we conduct a comprehensive assessment, considering positive scores to reach a final conclusion. This approach ensures we capture even the smallest differences that might be missed by a single system, offering more precise diagnoses.
Sample NIPT Test Report by Tokyo Health Inspection Office
Actual NIPT Test Report Sample
Tokyo Health Inspection Office provides a negative NIPT test report to medical institutions. The office utilizes advanced testing methods from Illumina and Medicover for NIPT testing. Both Illumina and Medicover offer NIPT testing capabilities, each with different ranges of testing. Tokyo Health Inspection Office carefully selects and uses appropriate testing methods based on the characteristics and capabilities of both companies. Through this approach, the office ensures precise analysis and results based on the latest technology, providing reassurance to medical institutions and examinees.
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[Report from Illumina’s Equipment] (Negative)
*Actual sample of test result report created by Tokyo Health Inspection Office
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[Report from Medicover’s Equipment] (Negative 2)
*Actual sample of test result report created by Tokyo Health Inspection Office
①FF (Fetal fraction) – Ratio of fetal cfDNA
②Shown in red when positive.
③Positive predictive value
Calculated based on the pregnant woman’s gestational age and age. It is not related to genetic information.
④Positive score
A numerical value indicating how far it deviates from the normal value. Indicates the degree of positivity.
*Results may differ between Illumina and Medicover.
*Early testing may differ between the first and second tests.
[Report from Illumina’s Equipment] (Positive 1)
Trisomy 21
[Report from Illumina’s Equipment] (Positive 2)
Trisomy 21 (Low Positive Score)
[Report from Illumina’s Equipment] (Positive 3)
Trisomy 21 (Low Positive Score)
[Report from Medicover’s Equipment] (Positive 1)
Trisomy 21
[Report from Medicover’s Equipment] (Positive 2)
Trisomy 21
[Report from Medicover’s Equipment] (Positive 3)
Trisomy 21 (Borderline Positive)
Overview of NIPT
NIPT Explanation Document (Genomewide screens)
This test can detect not only sex chromosome aneuploidies but also aneuploidies of all autosomal chromosomes, as well as partial duplications and deletions. This report emphasizes that it has been validated with 99% specificity for major chromosomal abnormalities including trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13.
Testing Method
NIPT is conducted by extracting cfDNA from plasma after blood collection, followed by analysis using next-generation sequencing technology. This advanced process is supported by Illumina’s cutting-edge analytical techniques.
Limitations and Considerations of the Test
The test has limitations and is based on data from singleton and twin pregnancies, but it has not been validated for multiple pregnancies. Additionally, interpreting the test results in conjunction with other medical information is crucial. Positive or negative results may require additional diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis.
Interpretation of Test Results
A “negative” result indicates that the chromosomes examined in the test have a normal copy number. If chromosomal abnormalities are detected, detailed guidance will be provided along with specific circumstances.
Tokyo Health Inspection Office provides NIPT reports to medical institutions through state-of-the-art medical technology and meticulous testing processes. They strive daily to protect the health, reassurance, and future of each examinee beyond medical institutions. It is believed that this report provides valuable information to examinees and medical institutions, supporting better medical decisions.
Confirmation of Test Results and Security
Hiro Clinic provides test results accompanied by a QR code exclusively for examinees. This QR code contains important information about the examinee, ensuring accuracy and security of information between the testing facility and the clinic. This stringent verification process aims to provide reassurance and trust to both examinees and healthcare providers.
Approach to Improving Accuracy
At Hiro Clinic, we go beyond treating test results as mere numbers; we delve deep into the data behind the results. When there are discrepancies between results from Illumina and Medicover, our experts and physicians collaborate to discuss the characteristics of the testing technologies and the circumstances of the examinee. Each case is analyzed in detail and with care. However, in rare cases, NIPT results may not be obtained due to technical limitations of the test or specific conditions of the mother and fetus. For instance, insufficient fetal DNA in the blood or inadequate DNA due to the mother’s physiology could be reasons. In such cases, further testing such as amniocentesis may be recommended to obtain more reliable results, or even genetic testing of both parents might be advisable. Through this process, considering various scenarios, we strive to enhance the accuracy of test results and provide the most precise information to our examinees.
