Npit - harmony or Iona?

[Carebear99]

Hi all, looking for some advice. I've been offered the harmony test via the NHS, costing £340. That'll be as part of my 12 week scan when I am actually 11w5d.

I am considering another test, Iona at a private ultrasound clinic. It's a similar price and they said harmony is inferior.

Which have you have had or which is better? Clearly the ultrasound clinic would promote their own.

Just to add I am overweight and was told by the clinic that Iona is better for that. Before today I had never heard of Iona.

NIPT I mean. Sorry for the typo! I'm currently 8w6d

They’re all just essentially different brand names for the same thing. Panorama is the newest technology but the bloods go to California for analysis so you can wait longer for results. Personally I’d go with whatever is easiest and/or cheapest.

Why don't you wait to see what the results are of your 12 week combined screening and make a decision based on that? Unless you've already been told you have risk factors.

I'm not having the combined screening, I'm 39 so I have chosen NIPT as I know I'm a higher risk for abnormalities.

But after the combined test it might come back as low risk? Age is a factor sure, but along with your scan and blood test, it may still come back as low risk.

Thank you. I never thought of that, I think I would just rather know more accurately sooner rather than later. I'm so anxious about this pregnancy, we've been ttc for 20 years since our daughter was born

I've just had the harmony test done privately at 10w +3 and results came through (all fine!) in 5 days. I'm not over weight so can't really comment on that.
Apparently they have to have a minimum of 4% fetal fraction DNA in the sample to do the test and said fetal gestation and maternal BMI where contributing factors.
I was only 3 days from the earliest you could have it done and the fetal fraction was 10.9% so way over the cut off. So I presume if you leave it a tiny bit longer you shouldn't have a problem touchwood.
We were told that we would be able to have a re draw if it was

I think they're all broadly the same accuracy wise, except some are better for people with higher BMI (as in you're less likely to get an inconclusive result and need it doing again) Benefit of Iona is the lab is in Manchester, unsure about Harmony.

@miltonj

But after the combined test it might come back as low risk? Age is a factor sure, but along with your scan and blood test, it may still come back as low risk.

The NIPT is more reliable then the combined test, so I think it's understandable some people would see it as worthwhile, plus you can find out sooner rather than later.

If you have a high risk combined at 12 weeks plus, you've already waited for the result, then had to have an NIPT appointment with the NHS and await the results of that, could be 15 weeks in if not more.

As far as I know the benefits of the Iona is it apparently needs a lower foetal DNA amount to get results - so helpful for those with higher BMI or that want to have the test asap on the dot of 10 weeks gestation. Also the results often come back quicker (usually around 3 working days) as it is a UK based test.

Harmony benefits are that many more providers offer it, so it could sometimes be slightly cheaper (more competition) and it's often easier to find a place closer to you that does the test.

Both seem to have similar accuracy levels for the 3 main trisomy's, so its just whichever suits you best. I had the Iona at 10 weeks as after 3 years of IVF, I just wanted to know everything was alright asap. I also had the NHS combined test eventually at my 14 week dating scan too (there was a backlog for "12 week" scans), mainly as I wanted the PAPP -A checked too. It also give me a low chance result, despite this being my first/only baby at age 40. I have no regrets getting the NIPT though as it helped ease my worries to have an earlier scan to hear/see his heartbeat and a more accurate test, plus it was cool finding out the babies sex so early too.

HTH.

I had the NIPT performed a few weeks ago at 13 ish weeks, for reassurance. It was the harmony version.

I'm overweight, BMI 35 and they managed on the first blood draw.

I had Iona at 10.5 weeks as I heard their lab was in Manchester (so are we) do it should come back quicker. It was a couple of days.

I know, I understand the worry. I just didn't want the Op to waste money if her only risk is being 39. I'd personally wait for the combined screening results snd then make my decision based on that, as chances are it will be fine. But understand not everyone would be comfortable waiting. Although in my experience the results don't take long to come back.

I think it's such a personal choice to get it or not and everyone's reasons are different.
I didn't get a phone call till 7 days after my combined screening to say I was high risk and then had to wait for CVS and results, was a long worrying couple of weeks.
So for be the £400 seemed worth it to have that worry eased at 10 weeks.
The same is true with reasons why people chose to get or not get the combined screening. Everyone's situations are different.
Suppose we all just do what feels right xx

Hi, I had the harmony at a private clinic due to not being able to get measurements at my 12 week scan/ivf pregnancy.

Harmony lab is now in London so results are quicker than they used to be.

Thank you everyone. I've emailed the private clinic that offers Iona to ask a few questions. The IONA website says they tell your midwife the results, do they get sent to the midwife or sent directly to the patient?

@LividLaVidaLoca

I had Iona at 10.5 weeks as I heard their lab was in Manchester (so are we) do it should come back quicker. It was a couple of days.

@LividLaVidaLoca I am Manchester and looking for Somewhere to get Iona done. Do you mind if I ask where you got yours? Thanks xx

It was My Baby Company on Barlow Moor Road. Good luck!

I had iona in the end. Was so impressed test last Monday and results on Friday

I had the Harmony at 40 bmi, no problems with result.

Mine turned out to be Iona @Carebear99 so must depend on who does it as to when you get the results, nuts isn't it

I had 10% fetal fraction with a bmi of 35 and at 10w1d

@LividLaVidaLoca

It was My Baby Company on Barlow Moor Road. Good luck!

Thank you @LividLaVidaLoca 😊

How did you end up getting the results? Did they send to midwife or you directly?