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Pregnancy

Harmony test

29 replies

Cupcakesandlove · 24/06/2015 06:32

Hi,

I just need a little re assurance. Or at least a hug!
I'm in my early 20's and 17 weeks pregnant with our first child I've recently got my combined screening test back with a result that is just out of the NHS catchment 1:180.
Today I've decided to go for a harmony test it wouldn't make a difference to my decision as I'm having this child regardless however it would better prepar me for what might lie ahead.
Has anyone else has this test done and can they share their experiences of what happened? Do I get to see the screen as they scan like my 12 week scan? Or is it all private?

OP posts:

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Stinkersmum · 24/06/2015 06:44

The harmony test is a blood test, there's nothing to see on a screen.....

SueGeneris · 24/06/2015 06:48

I had a harmony test around 20 weeks, it was a blood test and a scan although I have to say I thought the NHS equipment was better!

JassyRadlett · 24/06/2015 06:48

Most Harmony test packages come with a scan (or two).

I had mine done at the Fetal Medicine Centre. There was a very thorough viability scan on the day of the blood test, then the blood test results were back within 10 days. Then we had a second scan when they gave us our results. We saw everything on the scan and it was very clear.

Good luck OP - the peace of mind is worth it.

SueGeneris · 24/06/2015 06:49

I was able to see the screen too.

Stinkersmum · 24/06/2015 06:50

CatsCantFlyFast · 24/06/2015 06:52

The test is a blood test. However most clinics insist on bundling the test with a scan.

Cupcakesandlove · 24/06/2015 07:02

Hi,

Thanks I'm having mine done at my hospital just under the private bit. I was told it involves a detailed scan and a blood test... I hope I get to see the screen as it would make me feel at ease.
Did your results come back 1:10000 after you had it done?

OP posts:

tattyteddy · 24/06/2015 07:07

Hi op, I had my harmony scan at the RVI in Newcastle under the hospital's private bit. Before they took the blood they did the viability scan then took the, bloods (this happened on the Monday). I got the results via a call on the following Monday. I felt reassured as my results for all three conditions came back as 1:10000. Good luck for your test today.

Cupcakesandlove · 24/06/2015 07:09

Thank you, how far are you tatty? I feel completely messed around by the hospital as my 12 week scan was over 5 weeks ago and I chased the results as I never received them! I found out last night after calling constantly but due to the lady being on annual leave I didn't find anything out....

OP posts:

tattyteddy · 24/06/2015 07:13

I'm 22+2 today had had the harmony at 12 weeks. Sorry you've waited so long for the results I remember how stressful it was waiting for them!

bluewisteria · 24/06/2015 07:14

I'm booked in for the Harmony test with the FMC, but I'm not a bit confused. If the take the baby's blood cell from the mother's and can determine the sec of the baby, can't they determine whether there is a chromosomal abnormality 100%? I don't understand why it is a percentage likelihood if they have the DNA?

bluewisteria · 24/06/2015 07:15

Now a bit confused not not a bit confused!!!!

Cupcakesandlove · 24/06/2015 07:19

Sorry blue - my heads all over the place I don't really understand your question. It's probably percentage as with everything there is a risk, there may not of been enough of the DNA present. The results are either 1:2 or 1:10000 so it is a pretty yes or no but I doubt anyone would like to say 100% I hope I got the gist of what you were saying apologies if I haven't

OP posts:

Cupcakesandlove · 24/06/2015 07:20

Ah tatty I know!
Glad everything went ok, did you get to see the scan as it was performed?

OP posts:

tattyteddy · 24/06/2015 07:24

I did see the baby on the scan, it was reassuring as that was my first scan.

JassyRadlett · 24/06/2015 07:38

I'm sure they'll show you!

Yes, mine was 1 in 10,000. I'm 37 and we were out of the country for the period we could get the NT screening done, so the peace of mind was wonderful.

MappingTheMind · 24/06/2015 07:40

Blue: the Professor who helped develop Harmony and who works out of Kings in London told me it is basically a "yes" or "no" result but they can't market it as such yet. I had 1:10 from nuchal screening but 1:100000 from Harmony and my baby was born healthy (nor that anecdotes are data but I just thought I'd throw that out there!).

MappingTheMind · 24/06/2015 07:41

And I saw both scans which were much clearer and more detailed than my NHS scans. If I ever had another baby is refuse nuchal screening and go straight gorHarmonh as its so much more reliable.

Newtobecomingamum · 24/06/2015 08:01

Hi Cupcakes,

Just wanted to share my experience.

First pregnancy I had my results come back as 1:217 and the hospital terrified me and said I was high risk etc. I didn't know about the harmony test then and refused to have the invasive text. Went to a private clinic and saw a specialist who checked for markers and other signs on scan and there was absolutely nothing wrong. I had to wait until 20 weeks for the scan from 12 weeks and was the worst time of my life.

The specialist was fuming the hospital had scared me like that and he told me that actually 1:217 isn't that high and he sees people with 1:20 etc.

I just want you to know of a positive outcome and I'm sure the harmony test will help reassure you.

My results this pregnancy came back 1:11000 which is strange compared to first pregnancy!!

Best of luck

bluewisteria · 24/06/2015 08:03

Oh I see, thank you everyone!! That makes sense now.

MissTwister · 24/06/2015 08:08

I had the harmony test and scan at FMC and it was well worth it. You pretty much get a definitive answer.

bluewisteria · 24/06/2015 10:20

Has the Harmony test been incorrect for anyone here?

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Nameeman · 24/06/2015 10:25

Blue: if you get 1:100000 on Harmony you are really in the clear. The Professor at the FMC told me he knew of no babies born with the three most common trisomies who had that result. Extensive googling suggested the same. Some people get intermediate results like 1:2500. These results are v rare but our Prof said he would recommend further testing for such a result. A thread on this board tells the experiences of a woman with an intermediate result who later had an Amnio and found her baby had T21.

bluewisteria · 24/06/2015 11:10

That's great to know thank you. I've found it a little confusing as NHS gives percentages too but they seem to be fairly inaccurate

MissTwister · 24/06/2015 13:00

Harmony is something like 99.9% so if it's 1:10,000 you are definitely in the clear!

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