Harmony prenatal test - anyone know about it

[RTchoke]

today I am having a new kind of prenatal test called Harmony. It's non-invasive and seems to just be a new kind of blood test plus the regular nuchal scan but it's much more accurate than the traditional nuchal blood test. Apparently it's nearly as accurate as a CVS but without any risk.

I'm the only person I know who is having this test and nobody else seems to have heard of it let alone have been offered it. I just wondered if others have and knowledge of it and how accurate it is.

Just an update, I had my NT scan today and got really good risk percentages. They did a repeat blood test for the Harmony so we'll see if that comes back with anything but there is a 50% failure rate if it has already failed once.

Well that's great news. FX your results come back

Hi all

Having my Harmony on Monday - how long will it take?

Pleased for you delphi

Hackney bird, I take it you want to know how long it takes to get the results? I was told it would be two weeks irrespective of the outcome. I had my Harmony test done not this Wednesday but the previous so results due back next Wednesday. I do know of someone who got her results back after one week but I have heard no other cases of that.

Good luck for Monday!

Their website says 6-8 working days, but presumably that is once the blood reaches their lab in California.

The FMC schedule their NT screenings exactly two weeks after the blood draw, so presumably that is allowing more than enough time! So it could well come in under two weeks but doubtful before one.

Sorry I meant how long does the appointment take - am hoping it won't take up my whole morning and I won't feel too wretched afterwards!

I had mine at the FMC.. it was basically sign a form which the receptionist had, then wait for the person who takes the blood to become available, which was pretty quick. Then a few minutes for the blood draw. So not a long drawn out process at all.. I'd guess you would definitely be out within half an hour so long as things are normal, and maybe even 10-15 minutes.

Thanks Crispy. For some reason I thought I'd have another scan too!

hackney - are you getting the ten week two appointment package? If so Infairlycertain you will get a dating scan too at the first appointment.
I still would have thought you'll be in and out in under 45mins.

When is your appointment?

Yes jay. It's on Monday!

Good luck! Be sure to let us know how your appointment goes (mine isn't for another three weeks).

Yes, if it's at 10 weeks and you haven't already had an NT scan you'll get a brief viability scan first. In which case it'll take a little longer - maybe in and out in 30-45 minutes.

Good luck!!

Thanks guys, will do.

All good! Baby with heartbeat, matches my dates EXACTLY so I am 10+2 today.

Had the scan first, then had to wait for about 20 mins to have my bloods taken but that was over in a flash. I think we were there for just over an hour.

Isn't in a funny place?All the Drs are so glam - the one who did our scan today was wear Loboutin heels, I kid you not.

Now just got to get through the next two weeks......

it is a surreal place!

glad your scan went well!

After being told we had a 1:18 risk, I have just had my Harmony test result back (after an agonising 12 day wait). It came back low risk (1:10,000)!! Wishing everyone else all the best with their test results. Had mine done through the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton - no sign of Loboutin heals there!

Really hope the NHS decides to fund this test - apparently they are starting a trial in December (in Southampton at least), but it was the best £450 I have ever spent.

Really glad to hear all is well with the baby hackneybird !

They are glam, I agree! Perhaps it's a requirement to fit in with the surroundings It's the Selfridges of the scan clinic world!

And nearly always female - for the first time ever I had a male one for my anatomy scan a few weeks back. And I have had six scans there now. I love seeing that many women in such scientific and highly educated roles. Most of all I love that they are never patronising to me and assume I am stupid (unlike at least half of all consultants I see) when I ask questions, no matter how basic or complicated.. they just answer them like they are some sort of human interface to pubmed That floats my boat!!

happymum99 - That's really great news they're going to be introducing Harmony down at Princess Anne. I spent a few nights there myself back in 2007 after I got an infection following an ERPC.. we were supposed to be having a "holiday" in the New Forest to get over the loss. Instead I got to find out about another NHS hospital ward. It was one of the better NHS hospitals I have stayed in though, even the food wasn't horrific.

PS forgot to add - congratulations on your great result happymum99!!

yay! happy for you happybird

Does anyone know if the harmony test is offered in the north east?

Hi all

Forgot to update you but my second draw of blood worked and I got 1 in 10,000 risk so I'm happy with that. Also found out I'm having a boy.

Sorry Kim, no idea.

That's great. Thanks for letting us know!

Hurray, congratulations on your little boy and the end of your worry over this! I'm really glad the second one worked

The Harmony test is available just outside York at Optimum Prenatal. Further details are available on their website at www.optinatal.com/new-harmony-tm-non-invasive-prenatal-testing/

For anyone in North west ish Europe I just got back from hospital (I'm in the Netherlands where it is not offered yet) and there is a clinic in Brussels that does everything for 500 euro and another in Antwerp that does it for 60 euro. I saw somewhere else in Germany on the list the hospital gave me but all their clinics were over 1,000 euro.