So we had our first appointment with the nurse. Since we are already planning on doing early screening, she suggested we can elect to do the harmony test. She gave us a brochure and said we could ask the doctor more about it at the next appointment. Apparently it's a blood test plus the ultrasound, but it doesn't carry the risk of fetal demise that CVS and the amnio does.
I mean, it sounds perfect and like a no-brainer. But it IS new, b/c my OB didn't offer this when I had my DS less than 2 years ago.
So I'm wondering if anyone else is getting this, or if anyone else has heard of this test and has an opinion about it. Or even, does anyone's OB not offer this b/c they don't think the test is good or something like that?
Re: Harmony Test, Anyone?
I think I'll pass because, while a negative result would be reassuring, a positive result from BOTH me & DH only gives LO a 1 in 4 chance of having whatever the issue is. That's enough to stress me out, but I really don't imagine ever agreeing to an amnio (I already has a m/c and can't stomach the idea if increasing the chances, even just a little bit), which means I'd just be left with stress and a 25% chance of a problem. Personally, I'd rather not know.
I believe this is the same type of test as the Panorama test. A lot of insurance companies don't cover them yet from what I hear and they are very new. I was leaning towards a Panorama myself but it looks like the Harmony tests also tells you the sex of your child which I don't believe the Panorama does outright.
https://www.panoramatest.com/
oh, I just came across this, thought it might be helpful https://www.downsyndromeprenataltesting.com/so-many-choices-what-does-each-do-and-how-much-do-they-cost/
These tests don't looks for your DNA they actually pull your child's DNA (intermingled in your blood in strong enough qualities to be detectable by 10 weeks).
So a positive test would mean that your child, in fact, has the genetic markers not that there is a 25% chance your child has them. An amnio would be required to confirm defects (if terminating) but otherwise these tests are accurate and not just predictors of likely outcomes based off your parental DNA.
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Getting the NT test was all that I was offered last time, which does have a pretty high false positive rate. The Harmony test is supposed to be 99% accurate but without the risk of MC.
For me, I did the NT test last time b/c either way I still want whatever info I can get NOW, rather than be blindsided on the delivery day, though I understood the false positive rate. However, if it's true that this Harmony test is 99% accurate but doesn't have the risk of MC from the CVS or amnio, then it sounds perfect. But I'm definitely asking b/c you know what they say about things that sound too good to be true....