NIPT fetal fraction

[AlexH13]

Hi all! I had my Harmony test done with Ultrasound Direct. Results came back inconclusive due to low FF which was 5%. I have scheduled a redraw. Have seen loads of reports and research saying the cut off is less than 4% which feels weird. Why have I got an insufficient amount at 5%? Has anyone else had this? I was 10+1 (or 10+3) at time of blood draw, depending on dates. I will be 12 weeks at time of redraw but I’m v concerned that will still come back low for Ultrasound Direct - especially as 5% seems to be high enough for everywhere else. Any advice/stories on this? Thanks!

Hi @AlexH13 I also had a harmony test done with ultrasound direct when I was 11+6, and got an inconclusive result back.

In hindsight I wish I’d gone elsewhere. The reviews I’d read of ultrasound direct weren’t great, but I went with them because they were local to me. Even the scan itself was poor quality and extremely brief.

I ended up not bothering getting the redraw done with them and booked instead for a SAFE nipt with the birth company on Harley street in London. It’s the company I’d originally wanted to go with but as I said chose ultrasound direct because they were local, and London is a 2 hour drive from me.

But it was the best decision I made. I went at 13+4, the scan was so thorough, more in depth than any nhs scan I’ve had to date.

I then got the results exactly a week later, all the lowest risk possible at 1:100,000.

I’d 100% recommend the SAFE nipt over harmony. SAFE requires 2% fetal fraction.

The company in general were WAY more professional!

Good luck with your redraw!

I had inconclusive results with my twins around 10-11 weeks. I had it redone at 13 weeks and all was fine