NIPT/Harmony test - anyone had this done and why?

[Gerdticker]

I’m researching the NIPT early screening test. I think the most common brand name is Harmony.

I’m 36, and 10 weeks.

Had anyone else chosen to do this? If so, why did you do it?

Any thoughts / info gratefully received, thank you x

Yes. I had it done after an abnormal 12w scan. It came back high likelihood of Downs Syndrome. This was then confirmed by CVS. I later had a termination due to the DS and associated abnormalities.

I think it is a useful test to confirm things seem ok. To someone in our position (existing concerns) I would recommend CVS or amnio.

I had it done a few weeks ago, privately at 10 weeks. My reason was that a close friend of mine had a baby with edwards syndrome (undiagnosed until after birth) after getting a low risk result from the NHS screening. I would highly recommend it. I feel very reassured after getting a low risk result and we also found out the sex. It is worth bearing in mind it is still screening, not diagnostic, and there is a small chance of false positives for Edwards and Pataus syndromes. Much lower than the comparative ‘false positives/false high risks’ from the NHS combined screening.

I have and I had it because I’m 38 and the accuracy rate is higher than the NHS blood tests. I’ve had 3 miscarriages and it contributed to my peace of mind. Cost 275 and was done in my antenatal clinic - I feel it was money well spent.

I had one in February at 10 weeks - I'm going to be 37 when I give birth and it is more accurate than the NHS test. I also found out the gender which was a nice bonus particularly given the lockdown situation we're now in.

Yes, I had it done a few years ago. We chose to do it, as I was 38 with first pregnancy and I knew the risks were higher at that age for MC/genetic abnormalities etc. It can be done from 10 weeks, so thought that if things didn't work out, it gave us more time to decide what to do. I know of some women having to wait till 14 weeks just for the combined scan and test, and waiting even longer for any further tests! For those that do decide to terminate, IMO, the earlier the better. You wont have be showing, so only those you told would have know about the pregnancy, you can try again sooner and your body takes less time to recover (than if you'd been full term or farther along). Only my personal thoughts though.

I suggest discussing with your partner how they feel about it too, and be open about your thoughts with each other. IF there is no way you'd want invasive tests or a termination, despite bad news, then there may be no point in having it. Other than being able to prepare for the birth of a very sick baby, or learning more about the possible disability.

Note though that it isn't 100%, so if something was found, you MAY, still need a CVS or amnio to confirm things. More accurate results for downs, but less so for some other conditions. In some cases a more detail scan is enough to confirm abnormalities (as it was in our case).

Check if the clinic process the results in the UK (if that is where you live?). In the early days, samples were sent to America, and the turn around time was more. I assume more places offer local testing now.

Check if not enough DNA is collected for a result the 1st time, will they re-test for free? (every place I've looked into does offer this, but worth checking)

If you have any questions, just ask.

Decide with partner if you want to know the sex. I did, but OH didn't.

I had it to check health after a scan revealed risk of downs. I found out my little girl was absolutely perfect at 16 weeks and I'm grateful to have known that because a week later she was gone.

Thank you everyone for your generous replies

I have found a Private midwife who will carry out the NIPT test and have booked it, and feel much better for having done that :)

Thank you again, you're all wonderful x

I am having the NIPT (SAFE via St George’s) on the NHS after a recent 12w scan that showed a high risk of Down’s, but not Edwards or Patau. Waiting on the results now, and feel constantly sick whilst waiting for the call to give us the results.

For those still waiting for results, I wish you good news