NIPT - Illumiscreen testing vs Percept

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   Hi 

Does anyone have any observations or recent experiences with NIPT testing in Wellington, specifically with either the Illumiscreen or Percept test? (Harmony doesn't seem to be offered here - perhaps being superseded due to technical advances?)

The advantage to Illumiscreen is that the blood samples are processed in Auckland, and therefore don't have to be shipped internationally.   They also claim to have lower test failure rates.  The disadvantage (as we see it) is the low "visibility", and lack of information available around its use locally in Wellington.   Staff in two major blood testing collection centres in Wellington who act as agents for the test either knew nothing about the procedure, or had to look it up.  I know that these are just the blood collection facilities, but it seems clear that its not something that they are used to doing much.

As for the Percept test, the one practitioner we have found who offers this in Wellington is away for the time when we are supposed to be having it.  The blood also has to be sent to Australia for testing.   We have to think about whether its worth trying to find someone else who can offer this, if we are too nervous to use Illumiscreen.

Thanks for any comments!