Failed Harmony Tests

[Erin884]

This is my first post on here and I'm really hoping to gain some reassurance from others who've been in a similar position in the past. I'm 37 and pregnant again after a MMC, and decided to take the harmony test for extra reassurance. Unfortunately the test failed to provide a result - twice - once at 13 weeks and again at 15 weeks (I think it was low fetal fraction but the second test was also a quality control issue). I know some women are more likely to have a test failure (e.g if ivf pregnancy, high BMI, on blood thinners) but I don't fall into these categories. My scans have been good - no concerns at either 12 week or 18 week scan (early anomaly scan I had privately). Despite this, I can't get the nagging worry out of my head that the failed tests could be indicative of a problem. I haven't gone down the amnio route and my consultant said its an option. If anyone has been in this position with failed NIPT tests I'd be really grateful to hear how things turned out for you. Thanks x

Me! I was really panicking but we did one last try and it worked the third time.

(And the baby was fine).

Thank you for getting back to me! Might try SAFE test instead and see if I have any luck with that x

Hi, no wisdom to share but wanted to reach out as I’m in a similar position. Had the nipt done at 11+2, came back inconclusive due to low fetal fraction at 12+3. Had bloods redrawn at 12+4 and now awaiting results but pretty worried/convinced that they are going to be inconclusive again. I don’t have any of the bmi/ivf etc factors either. I’m now 13+4 and will have missed the window for the combined test by the time we get the results back. We did have a nt scan which looked fine but it doesn’t feel enough to go off that alone. Not sure what I’ll do if the tests come back inconclusive again. Going straight to an amniocentesis feels like jumping the gun but I don’t feel like I’ll be reassured by just scans and soft markers. Did you have a combined test done?

Yes I did have the nhs combined test and it came back low risk. I hope you have more luck with your redraw - it may be that your first test was that bit too early. If you don't manage to get a result, my consultant recommended me the SAFE test as an alternative - they seem to have fewer 'no results' than other nipts. If that fails for me too, i might consider the amnio. Not a nice decision to make at all!

So my second nipt came back inconclusive today. I’ve gone ahead and done the SAFE test. Unfortunately because I’m not in the uk I haven’t had the combined test and they won’t do an amnio until 16 weeks (I’m almost 14) so don’t have much else to go on at the moment. I have had two scans in the past two weeks, one of which today in which she had a really good look and said that the nt fold looked good, as did the nasal bone and the size of the baby. Feeling pretty anxious about it all though and will have a longer wait for results due to bank holidays. Did you go ahead with the SAFE test in the end?

Ah sorry to hear about the redraw - I can completely relate to the added anxiety of all this (I'm a worrier at the best of times and thought the harmony would be the extra reassurance I needed!). I did do the SAFE test - the doctor I saw said he felt that a low-risk result on that (if that happens), plus good scans, should be really reassuring, though obviously there are no certainties for any of these screening tests. If anything seems off I may go for the amnio, but trying take it one step at a time for now. Good luck with your results!

@Erin884 same to you, hope you don’t have too long to wait.

Amnio has a risk of miscarriage, I'm really not sure why you would even consider that unless you have overwhelming evidence that there is something wrong?

I had 1 failed Harmony test with DS (redraw was successful) and 2 failed Harmony tests with DD (ended up cancelling third redraw and just using NHS test which showed extremely low risk even though I'm in my 40's). I honestly wish I'd never done Harmony, the stress, upset and anxiety it caused wasn't worth it. I have 2 absolutely beautiful and very healthy children.

@Saturnsmoon I got my results back from the SAFE test today and came back low risk. I really hope you get yours soon too. The stress of second guessing inconclusive results has been miserable!

I had two failed Harmony tests and was stressed about the lack of results. It was years ago and our child has had totally average development. I hope that reassures some of you.

@Erin884 aw I am so glad to hear this. You must be so relieved! Really happy for you!

Unfortunately the saga continues on my end as I got a call yesterday while waiting for the results of my third redraw/the SAFE test to say that the clinic I used had forgotten to send my bloods out before the bank holidays and so they were no longer usable. I went back in yesterday to have them redone and hope to have the results by early next week but my patience is really being tested. Hope we have a similar outcome to you though.

Hope you get to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy without too much further stress!

@Saturnsmoon Oh my goodness - how frustrating for you! I really hope your results come through soon. And thank you - it was a relief. Think I'll always be a little spooked by the failed harmonies, but I've trawled enough forums now to know that it happens sometimes and often doesn't mean anything. I guess nothing can ever be certain in pregnancy so I'm going to stick with scans for reassurance and maybe avoid Google rabbit-holes for a bit! Sending you lots of luck and speedy results.

Finally got my results back - all low risk! So relieved, hope I can finally start enjoying this pregnancy a bit now and getting excited. Thank you so much @Erin884 for sharing your consultants recommendation on the SAFE test, wish I’d just gone with them from the start!

@Saturnsmoon So pleased to hear this! x