NIPT?

[blossom325]

Hello,

I’m still early days in the pregnancy, but was just looking up NIPT tests, when to get it done, and the varying companies. For those that have done one or looking into it, do you recommend one company over another (like Iona vs Harmony)? Thank you!

We researched it fairly thoroughly and ultimately decided against one.

The 99% accuracy claim is far from accurate.

I did Harmony at 10 weeks with The Birth Company.

I’m 40 so I really wanted it. Under their advice we just tested for the 3 main trisomies, not the other various tests which are much more likely to result in false positives.

I had a good experience and it really helped my peace of mind.

I didn’t do it for my first baby at 37.

I had the Iona test done at 10 weeks as it's my first/only baby at 40. The Iona has a lower re-draw rate than the other Nipts (where they don't get enough foetal DNA to get results and have to wait longer and take your blood again). The Iona is also UK based and I got my results in only 2 working days - I used "My Baby Company" in Manchester.

As pp's mentioned, be aware that all Nipt tests are only 97% to 99% accurate for Downs, Edwards and Patau's - so more accurate than the NHS combined test, but for other conditions (Turners etc) the results can be much less accurate (so I didn't have these "extra" tests).

@sheusesmagazines

I did Harmony at 10 weeks with The Birth Company.

I’m 40 so I really wanted it. Under their advice we just tested for the 3 main trisomies, not the other various tests which are much more likely to result in false positives.

I had a good experience and it really helped my peace of mind.

I didn’t do it for my first baby at 37.

Same here, FTM at 38, currently 23w, did the Harmony test at the Birth Company at 17w. Glad I did as the ultrasound they did was MILES better than what we experienced a few weeks later at the hospital for 20w scan. Our TBC sonographer was Karin, in case you were considering it. Also did only the main test, not the other genetic tests, as these were only 20% or less accurate.

We did the SAFE test through our hospital antenatal clinic even though we got a low risk screening score for extra peace of mind. It only took 5 days to get results, we paid £350. The SAFE test is processed at St George’s Hospital in London.

We first had a harmony test done with ultrasound direct. Rubbish experience. The scan was poor quality and rushed, non informative, and the blood test itself was inconclusive. Customer service in general was poor.

We then opted to have a SAFE nipt done at the birth company on Harley street. It was the best experience. The scan was by far more thorough and detailed than any scan over ever had in any of my 4 pregnancies. The consultant was fab, and we got the results through exactly 7 days later, all clear.

Highly recommend the birth company, and the SAFE test.

I was 38 at the time of having the test done.

Age 37 2nd pregnancy 14 years on pure accident and still unsure at 16+4 how to feel. My initial anxieties were for abnormalities considering age and recent smoking cessation with unhealthy diet less than fit but not obese and jobless. With a working partner and house move. I knew within a day of missed period tested late evening and instant double lines. Next day bought a week estimate test and got 2-3 weeks. Shortly after all day all night nausea and fatigue. So debilitating and upsetting. OH excited tells many before even first scan. Pressure on. Had small bleed at 9 week estimate. Early morning started with a brown goop midday was swipes of bright red followed by brown and grey jelly tissue for days. Reported to nhs midwives but opted to private scan. Confirming pregnancy and heartbeat and likelihood if 9 weeks gestation. 2nd scan with blood screening put me at 13+ 4 with NT 2.8 mm last week informed the bloods and factors revealed a 1:36 chance for Down’s syndrome. Had NIPT /NIFTY test and informed came back high risk. I haven’t been given any numbers or percentages just asked what I’d like to do. I don’t know in all honesty but in that moment asked for amnio referral. Meanwhile booked a second private scan for tomorrow as NHS scan baby was camera shy and didn’t resemble much. Have been disconnecting from pregnancy from day 1 because I’m not so good at heartache. I’m not prejudiced against any form of disability and know how much love there is for DS I just feel like my own personal strength will struggle with seeing a tiny life I’ve created go through possible heart problems and nicu stuff. I know it’s ifs and buts and have so much credit and respect for all those who didn’t have forewarning or hoped so long for their baby regardless of health I know and understand it’s a case of dealing with whatever is in front of you. I’m just having a little difficulty when my pregnancy came as a complete shock and surprise. Anyone else going through this would be grateful to hear from you.

That sounds awful @moominmiss - did they not offer to do your bloods again at ultrasound direct?

Have done Harmony test for both of my babies was really good and would highly recommend.

I told NHS midwife I’d had this done and they said no need to have NHS tests as harmony was much more accurate.

We found out gender both times too.

Hi,

This is my first post because having been trawling through other’s posts this last week which I have found so helpful, I have felt compelled to write my own.

So last week we had results that I would be 1in73 chance of having a baby with DS. I am 42 and my blood levels were not where they should be.
Anyway, today we have had the results of the NIPT and it came back low risk.
What an awful few days which was topped off with myself and my partner being confirmed with Covid.

Thank you to all those that posted about this issue 😊