Private 10 week scan and NIPT test. Anyone else done this?

[Emtaboo]

Hi
I have booked the above privately as I can’t handle the wait for the 11-14 weeks scan and the NHS combined test. I’m 40 in a few weeks and my partner is 48. From what I can see, I’m likely to come back as high risk on the combined test on NHS purely down to age, then would get the NIPT test anyway. Am I the only one who just cannot stand the wait? If something is wrong I want to know as soon as. I had an early scan due to one sided pain and gestational sac measured 19.5mm so 6 weeks and 6 days at the time. A yolk was seen but no embryo. From my research, this is close to being diagnosed as a miscarriage. The sonographer didn’t tell me this and just said to wait for the usual 11-14 weeks scan. I’m concerned as she made reference to the pandemic and not wanting to scan women too often. Am I being paranoid?

Hi @Emtaboo I’m 38 and was told by my midwife that due to my age my combined risk would be high risk based on my age alone.

Like you I didn’t see the point in waiting for an official high risk result only to then have to book a nipt etc.

I booked a private harmony test and scan at 11+6. Unfortunately it returned an inconclusive result. I found out that it’s not as reliable for someone whose bmi is on the higher side. Mine was 31.

I then did a lot of research into the different nipt tests available and found that the SAFE nipt is more reliable and the best test for someone with an elevated bmi.

I managed to get that done at 13+4.

I then had my nhs scan done at 14 weeks but declined the bloods for combined screening as I knew I was awaiting my nipt result which would be more accurate.

I got the results of the SAFE nipt exactly 7 days after the test and the results were great, 1:100,000 for all trisomies.

I’m now 19 weeks and due my 20 week scan this week.

I did this twice and hAve no regrets. I needed the reassurance and had a positive experience. I do know somebody who did it and had an inconclusive result, they offered a free re-test. I think, as PP said, some factors make it harder for them to get the right amount of whatever they need. But I'd say do it.

Thank you for your reply Mooninmiss. Glad to know I’m not the only one thinking like this. My midwife hasn’t given me the heads up about possibly being higher risk. I’ve just gathered this from other posts. Having to wait extra weeks is difficult when you don’t know what’s what. I’m surprised you say about a BMI of 31 affecting the Harmony Test. I didn’t think 31 was particularly high. I’m so glad things are going well for you. Thank you for sharing x

Thank you @TheMagicFarawaySea for your reply. Thank you for your encouragement x

Good luck @Emtaboo, I know how frightening it all is and I hope it all works out well. I'm sending you positive thoughts

@Emtaboo I wasn’t really aware of the different nipts available and what factors could affect results etc.

But bmi is one of them, as well as being on blood thinners like aspirin or clexane.
I am on aspirin too which the clinic that did my harmony test didn’t tell me would affect results.
When I had my SAFE nipt done the clinic told me at the time of booking that I’d need to not take my aspirin for the 24 hours prior to having the test done.

My bmi of 31 classes me as obese! Anything over 30 is deemed high as far as I know in pregnancy.

The harmony test and most other nipts require 4% fetal dna from the mothers blood sample, whereas the SAFE nipt requires 2% so more likely to be able to obtain it from a mother with a higher bmi.

Good luck!

Hi @Emtaboo,

I did this! I knew I wanted a more accurate result so I went for a private scan and Harmony NIPT at 11 weeks, and then went on to have my NHS scan and blood tests a couple of weeks later.

For me and my DH we felt that this was the right decision for us as knew we definitely wanted the NIPT and wanted to do it before the NHS scan.

@Emtaboomtaboo
I did a a private NIPT test with melio, its a new test apparently and has is 10 times less likely to have a failed result that the harmony test. Longest week of my life waiting for the results though!