MaterniT21 test?

LeoLauren

My MFM told me about this test and asked me if I wanted it. She said it will one day replace the NT test. It's not 100% accurate testing for downs (NT is 90%) but it does test for all the trisomy's and for gender. She said with multiples it's less accurate. My insurance doesn't cover it (it's almost $2800 but I read that you may be able to get reimbursed by the testing company for all but $200-$300). Anybody do this test? Thoughts? Know anything more?

BBColt78

From what I've heard from friends, the Maternit21 is not a good option for twins. If you get a positive, they have no idea which twin it would be. An NT scan will allow measurements for Baby A and Baby B. That's just my knowledge though, I'm not a twin momma

My OB recommends NT first to everyone and then the Maternit21. His opinion was that the Maternit is newer and he likes to use it as a backup should the NT have something arise.

Personally, I would go straight for the NT. Instant feedback that your babies are looking good and the bloodwork section comes back in about 4 days.

LeoLauren

Thanks @bbcolt78! Just posted to the multiples board too. I did the NT test for sure. My thinking was the same - get the results, then go from there...

Allison7

There are other tests besides mat21 that are similar and may have better results with twins. My OB prefers the Verifi test and I know they have a specific test for twins. My OB also only gives you the option of the verifi test or the NT w/ blood work, which kind of stunk. I was really looking forward to another u/s! I would talk to your OB about doing the nt and then backing it up with a twin approved non-invasive DNA test. GL!

2MamazInSeattle

The Harmony and Verifi are much cheaper (Harmony $800, Verifi $1500ish). Here's my two cents after just getting a Trisomy X diagnosis from a Harmony test (Trisomy X and other sex chromosome issues don't impact the neck fold on the NT - my measurement was 1.25).

For the rare case, something like mine, these tests are invaluable. My little girl's condition is amazingly treatable particularly when diagnosed prenatally. 90% are never diagnosed, or diagnosed later at school age, and miss out on early interventions which we will do for sure.

It was hard news to get but we are so grateful to know vs. not, especially since early intervention leads to much better outcomes.

becomingmommyagain

My Doc said the Harmony21 is supposed to be more accurate than the NT Scan.  I'm over 35 so it was covered by my insurance so we went straight to that.  She also said that if there was any question on the NT, they would do the Harmony21 to clarify.  

If you do the NT and the MFM recommends the Mat21 for follow up, you may be able to get your insurance to pay for it.  

Bonus...you can find out the sex earlier too  

liz4paws

I had it done a couple of weeks ago. I called Sequenom customer service and they said they will bill your insurance. However, no matter what your insurance tells you your portion is, it won't be more than $220 (I think? It was 200 something...) out of pocket. I was happy to have this test run, and we got the results back in only 4 business days. Good luck!