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Pregnancy

Devastated by NT test, should I choose Harmony or IONA?

18 replies

SuziePink · 03/03/2017 18:12

I'm 13 weeks and I've just had my results back from the combined NT screening test. There's a 1 in 35 chance of my baby having a chromosomal disorder (I'm 29 and this is my first). I'm devastated. I've booked an appointment for a NIPT test on Monday but I'm unsure whether to go with the Harmony or IONA test. Basically, I want the results back as quickly as possible.

What is everyone's experience with Harmony and IONA? Would anyone recommend one over the other?

I'm finding it very hard to keep positive. My partner split up with me because I'm pregnant and if I lose the baby I feel like I'll have lost everything.

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chocoraisin · 03/03/2017 18:59

I can't answer your question but I didn't want to read and run, I'm so sorry that you're going through such a stressful time. Try not to let your head run away with you, take things one day at a time - as hard as it may be. I really hope your next round of tests bring you positive news.

Sparklyuggs · 03/03/2017 19:11

My harmony test arrived in the lab Friday morning and I was called with the results by my doctor's PA at 8am on weds. HTH

zambean · 03/03/2017 19:43

The clinic I went to recommended the SAFE test (which iirc is the NHS's version of the IONA test) over the Harmony test, because it has a much lower redraw rate. What that means is, there is a much smaller chance the results will be inconclusive from one test, and they will have to call you back to draw more blood.

The Harmony test is the name most of us are familiar with so it's the one we want to go for, but the impression I get is that other, newer tests are just as reliable, and often give quicker results.

zambean · 03/03/2017 19:45

Also: try to stay calm. My NHS score was 1:23, and the baby is just fine. Do you know why the result is 1:35? What was the Nuchal Translucency, and what were your PAPP-A and HCGb levels, do you know?

SuziePink · 03/03/2017 20:00

I didn't ask what my blood tests were (too shocked I think) but the NT was 3.6mm. The risk based on the NT alone is around 1 in 25 (depending on which calculator you use).

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SuziePink · 03/03/2017 20:12

I've read good things about IONA and having UK based labs is a big plus so I'm thinking of going for that one at the moment. The clinic I phoned were very nice and said I can talk to them about which test is better when I go.

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Sparklyuggs · 03/03/2017 20:23

Harmony is UK based labs, I meant to say in my OP.

HN42 · 04/03/2017 12:20

The clinic I went to had 3 tests available, 2 of which were identical but I just opted for Harmony as I really just wanted to know the Down's risk and didn't feel like I needed to know anything else and I know a lot of tests do test for quite a few more conditions but just do what's right for you in terms of what you want or need to know. Harmony is also UK based - sent to a lab in London and took exactly 5 working days for them to process and issue results from the day they received my bloods.

SuziePink · 04/03/2017 17:59

Thank you. IONA is a bit more reliable it seems from reading with lower % redraw but Harmony checks for chromosomal disorders like XXX/XXY/XYY as well as Edwards, Patau, and Down syndromes. I'll see what the clinic's experience of both tests is as they might have had better experience with one than the other.

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zambean · 04/03/2017 18:46

Yes, my experience was that the clinic recommended the test they were happier using. It's probably best to just go with their recommendation, since they are all pretty much the same.

SuziePink · 04/03/2017 20:57

Having looked at the scan photo again it's pretty blurry and I have a tilted uterus so I'm hoping the measurements weren't entirely accurate and it'll be ok. Can't really do much else!

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SuziePink · 13/03/2017 19:42

Just to update: I got the IONA results today and all the trisomy issues came back as less than a one in one million chance. I also found out I'm having a boy. I'm over the moon but now have an extra scan at 16 weeks next week just to be sure there are no other issues.

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Clare2017 · 13/03/2017 19:52

That's lovely news @SuziePink I'm pleased for you & your little one.

Juveniledelinquent · 13/03/2017 19:56

Great news

kathrynelizabeth3005 · 13/03/2017 22:10

Congratulations Suzie that's great news!

Elkalv · 13/03/2017 22:44

Very happy for you! Good luck with the rest of pregnancy!

Sparklyuggs · 14/03/2017 05:08

Glad to hear!

SuziePink · 14/03/2017 15:50

Thank you everyone.

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