Harmony test and nuchal test?

[thelionsleeps]

Going to FMC next week and have booked both of these when I will be in my 13th week of pregnancy.

I thought I had a miscarriage 6 weeks ago so only seeing my gp to get referred to the midwife for nhs scan and booking in appt on Monday.

I was going to have the harmony test anyway due to my age. I decided to also book the nuchal scan as I am worried I won't get seen in time on the nhs due to my late adding to the system.

I read somewhere that the nuchal test can give indicators of other issues besides downs so thought it would be better to have both. I'm sure the fmc will advise but any comments would be appreciated.

I thought you had to book both to get the harmony test at FMC anyway?

I don't think so. It looks like you can just book the harmony test on its own and a nuchal test separately. Some people may have the nuchal test and then decide to have the harmony test depending on the result.

Harmony tests only for 3 major trisomies: T21, T13 and T18. It is q direct DNA test, and they don't look at anything else, except gender (if you want to know gender). Combined screening (i.e. nuchal + blood hormones, and few other markers if you do it at FMC) look at indirect markers, such as increased nuchal fold and unusual hormone levels, which are commonly associated with these trisomies, and therefore indicate increased risk. However, they can also be associated with other things, not necessarily trisomies, such as heart defects, other chromosomal abnormalities, risk of intrauterine growth restriction later in pregnancy. If any of that is detected, you may need additional monitoring (e.g. extra growth scans, heart scan), which is often worth knowing so that appropriate measures can be taken and treatment started in time if required.
I'm sure doctors at FMC will explain you and answer your questions - I had Harmony package there and was very impressed.
All the best!

That makes sense. Thanks!