NIPT inconclusive, redraw required. Bit gutted.

[Heath1979]

Hi all hoping for a bit of reassurance or to hear from anyone in a similar position..

Had Harmony test at 10+1 weeks and a phone call today to say that the lab "weren't satisfied" with the blood sample and are suggesting a redraw of blood - now booked for 6 April.

I have my NHS 12 wk scan booked for 2 April and they'll do the combination test for Down's syndrome then. I had so hoped to have my harmony results before the scan as I know the screening will identify me as high risk by age alone (40, first baby, terrified)

Also gutted the harmony test didn't work for me as I've read this can suggest chromosomal abnormality. Although I do have a very high BMI and am aware that this can cause inconclusive NIPT results too. Also horrible stats about high incidence of redraw samples being inconclusive too. Can't face another fortnight of constantly checking email, only to be disappointed again.

I just wish I hadn't bothered with the harmony - I opted to do it because I thought it would put my mind at ease, reduce anxiety, and hopefully eliminate need for amnio. And it's had the polar opposite effect. A Downs diagnosis wouldn't change my path, I could deal with that as chances are baby would have a good and happy life, my real concerns were trisomies 13 & 18 (which my midwife said they don't test for at my hospital anyway??)

Sorry to offload in such an incoherent way, I just didn't expect this.

How are you doing OP? Sending lots of love.

Hi @Heath1979 I just saw your post and wondered if they told you why they weren't satisfied with the results? I've just had my 12 week scan test results in a call from the hospital and they said the Downs test was inconclusive because I have high HCG. I have no idea why and a bit panicked. Just wondered if yours was hcg related as well?

Hi there, no I'm afraid not. They just said the lab weren't satisfied with the sample. I don't think it's HCG related as the harmony test is looking at foetal DNA fragments in the mums blood, rather than hormones, but I'm honestly not sure. Hope all turns out well for you. I have 12 week scan tomorrow and am so nervous xx

Please don’t worry. Its not indicative or problems. It just means that there was insufficient baby cells in your blood. At 10 + 1 is right at the start of their time span for this so might be why. Anyway it happened to me. Re did it. 7 days later I got low risk across the board

Ahh right ok, sorry I've only just started looking into the harmony test so I didn't realise that. I have read though that it might be due to still only being early on that you may have had inconclusive result. That's probably why they've suggested coming back when you're further on. Try not to worry about your scan tomorrow. I hope all goes well for you. I do understand the stress, I lost the plot a bit at mine due to previous MMC! I'm 39, also with a high BMI and I expected high risk for the 12 week tests due to that too but the Edwards and Patau came back low risk so it's not a given for you that yours will be high risk either. Keeping everything crossed for you but I'm sure it will be fine!

@russiandwarf. I take it it was the nhs nt test that you did? Apparently it takes very little for them to claim high risk which is why I skipped it and just paid to have the nipt privately

@Heath1979 If you're having the Harmony Test it is not recommended to have the NHS testing as well. It just confuses the issue. Harmony is much more reliable, as it tests actual DNA rather than just adding together factors such as age and BMI. I've had Harmony with each of my three pregnancies and have simply told them at my 12 week scan and they've said, 'That's the most comprehensive option, no need for our tests.'

In my first pregnancy I'd never heard of Harmony and it was actually the midwife who asked if I wanted the NHS testing or if I'd be going private for Harmony. Luckily all mine came back low risk, so I just included the results in my notes so midwife could see at 16 week appt. If an issue had been highlighted the clinic where I had the test would have informed the NHS. I would just tell them tomorrow that you're in the process of having Harmony, so no need for NHS testing.

Yes @Karigan195 it was NHS at my scan. I didn't realise that, that's reassuring. To be honest if it was high risk I would feel a bit less stressed. Non conclusive has left me a bit in limbo and panicked as to why hcg is high. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and go for the NIPT. Also I should stop googling...

@Karigan ah thanks, its reassuring to hear from someone who has a successful redraw and good results.

@LittleTipple I know I'd hoped to have harmony results and tell them at scan tomorrow but now that I've had the failed test, and read a lot of people have continued failed tests, I'm going ahead with NHS screen anyway. Then if my next harmony is inconclusive I'll have a back up, and if it's successful I'll know the results supersede the NHS & go with this.

@russiandwarf thanks so much :)

Thanks everyone & best of luck xx

Hi all, just wanted to give a quick update in case anyone is looking for reassurance on this topic. Results of Harmony redraw came through today and very relieved to say this one worked and came in low probability for all three trisomies. So as others have said, keep the faith if your first test is inconclusive! Easy to overthink (I sure did) and assume the worst - feels like Sod's law at the time but chances are (65% or more) that you'll get a result second time around.

Good luck everyone xx