Harmony test not detecting gender?

[Dalesgirl16]

I have twice given blood for the harmony test now. First time they said they couldn't detect the gender from that sample so I did it again. Now told they couldn't find enough of whatever in the blood to detect gender. They said I can try again but I think they think they won't be able again?

Has this happened to anyone? Could you get any refund?

Hi,

I've had my bloods taken again today (for the 3rd time!!) as they can't get enough fetal DNA to give me any results at all so I'm currently still in the dark. I'm 21 + 5 today.

Have you received results and just not getting anything for the gender?

x

Why have you just not had a sexing scan?

We paid for early testing due to our age. I did one at 10 weeks, then 11.5 and I'm now 12+6 today.

Is everything else looking okay scam wise?

*scan

@Dalesgirl16 forgot to add, if I get no results this time I will get a refund.

My NT scan at 13 weeks was relatively low risk but I wanted some further reassurance with the NIPT.

We found out the sex at the 20 week scan

x

Hmmm. This could be more for an ethical reason. It's illegal to choose the sex of your baby as an embryo, and whilst your baby is still technically within the legal miscarriage age, it's been known for people, sorry horrible vile human beings to abort based on sex. Could it be for that reason?

No I've done it before at 10 weeks with the first baby I had. It's reassurance. Yes, the tests were performed successfully for things like Down syndrome and all ok. It's just the sex of baby and and any sex related abnormalities they can't detect.

Dales,the purpose of these tests is to check non-invasively for the trisomies. The sex result is a bonus but not the primary purpose. You can sometimes tell from a 12w scan, so if you are really desperate to find out you could seek a private scan (or wait until a later nhs scan). Maybe the next blood test will gather enough dna for you too.

Don't understand why you need the gender if the 3 syndromes came back negative. I didn't think that tested for anything other than downs, plataeu and Edwards. You would need an amnio for any further genetic testing.

Great news on the trisomies coming back low risk but frustrating at the same time that they can't detect gender/chromosomal for you, not sure what the situation would be in terms of a refund.

Could it be worth trying a 3rd time?

I started mine much later than most would hence why I'm further along now but they say that the chances of results increase with gestation (although this doesn't appear to be true in my case!)

x

I was just at my GP arranging to get the Harmony test done in two weeks time. Do you mind me asking how long were you all waiting for results?

You wait up to two weeks for the results.

I didn't do this for the gender test but for the abnormalities, of course. I have had my children over 40 and just wanted to know they are ok. I'm very happy they are.?However, it was presented to us at ivf clinic as a test of gender too and gender related abnormalities so they should be able to offer that too. That's why I asked if you get some refund too. It's made me worry now overall. Don't know why! I know it's illogical.

Hi @SparkyBlue

First test took 6 working days and 2nd redraw took 5 working days

x

That's correct @Dalesgirl16 they have to check gender to be able to look into chromosomal abnormalities too which as you say is part of the test alongside the 3 main trisomies.

I completely understand your worry, I'm 39 and wanted some extra reassurance and now I'm none the wiser on trisomies or chromosomal abnormalities!

I'll know more later this week and if they come back again with no results due to low fetal DNA I will speak to the lab for a clearer understanding of what this means and if they can provide any further advice

Thanks ladies. I am 42 and having a very unexpected pregnancy. I am not concerned about the gender as I never found out on my other children. I have to arrange a private scan to accurately date the pregnancy and then my gp said to call and book myself in for the test.

I think I will call tomorrow to find out what this means in terms of gender related abnormalities.

How are pp organising through the GP? Is it not a completely private investigation?

Hi @Paradyning

I went private

Some NHS hospitals provide it for free if NT combined results come back high risk

Thanks that's what's I thought. Just confused why you would go via the Gp

I went private too.

@Paradyning I am in Ireland so different set up.

I think it could be that you had the test done early, although obviously it can also be a soft marker for an issue. Everything crossed for you that it’s nothing to worry about xx

The dr called and said it's nothing to worry about, I won't get a refund and I should go for a third blood test on Friday.

Hi @Dalesgirl16

Fingers crossed on your third draw.

My results have come back as low fetal DNA again on my 3rd attempt. The clinic have offered a 4th try but I don't feel like there is any hope and I am at 22 weeks now.

I'm going to speak to the lab on Monday to see if they can give me any details and further advise and will go from there