NT combined result 1:2653 is that good?

[Sheera1]

Hi,
I am 42 and my NIPT (harmony) test has failed twice. Apparently not an indication of something wrong but not enough fetal DNA to check.

It took 4 weeks to get my NHS combined result back (much stress) and it is low risk saying 1:2653.

I know that is the percentage chance which does seem low but wondering what others results were?

My first pregnancy the combined result was 1:1100, hes completely fine.

Yeah that's a low risk number, they can never say no risk at all, that's what you get a probability number. Personally I'd be happy with that nhs result xx

Your combined test result is good - if looking at that alone, it’s really reassuring.
However - have you discussed your 2 no-result NIPT tests with an obstetrician or a genetic counsellor? Low fetal fraction and a “no-call” result, esp x 2, can mean extra testing is offered. There are a few reasons it can happen (such as a high BMI for example) but important to have a good discussion, generally the midwives dont know a lot about this. Happy to provide more info if you would like - But hopefully you’ve already had a proper discussion around this aspect? X

Thanks all. That has reassured me.

@tenthousandspoons0 (loving that name) the NIPT is private in Scotland. I have my 16 week call on Friday with my midwife so will speak to her about that too and see if they will offer something else as it is concerning me that it failed twice. The NIPT person said she has never had someone fail it twice and there are some scary online things about it meaning there is an issue.

In a silver lining if sorts I do have a very high BMI and also have been taking aspirin as I tick some moderate pre-eclampsia boxes and both of these can affect it too so think it might be that.

I should get my 3rd try at it this week so will either have a result or a 3rd fail to speak to midwife about. They must be really busy as tried to get in touch with her 3 times over the last week and a half.

Also happy for more information if you have it. I think from the NHS perspective they will say due to my low risk result on the NT combined test they won't offer anything else?

I don't want an amnio as being a high BMI and lots of flab in the way I don't want the risk.

Good that you already have some info - Also yes silver lining re BMI as that may well be the explanation. There are studies around that suggest a higher chance of chromosomal differences where NIPT returns no result - but it’s by no means terribly high risk, still

Thank you. You have reassured me. Will still mention the failed NIPT and see what the midwife says about other options genetic specialist etc. Fingers crossed the NIPT works this time. I don't think they would do a 4th try.

I'm 34 and my trisomy 21 risk from combined screening was 1 in 292 - and that was considered low risk with no further testing. They told me that most of that risk would be down to my age.

So to be older than me and have such an incredibly low risk is great! Of course neither of us have any guarantees but as far as risk-based tests go I think you have a great result.

Thanks Lumpydaisy. Yes I need to get happy with it. I think I would be if my NIPT had not failed twice but I think the mai reason for that was my BMI 🙈🙄