MaterniT21 test?

LeoLauren · February 2014

Just posted this in the PAIF board but I realize this might be a more appropriate place...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? Thanks!!

PurpleIris30 · February 2014

It doesn't test for all the trisomies, but it does test for the most common.

We had it done. We knew our twins were identical so obviously a negative or positive result would be the same for both babies. Otherwise, a positive result would let you know one baby was affected but you wouldn't know which one. However, our MFM told us he would want to confirm any positive with an amnio, so you could sort it out then.

I called the billing office on the website and was told the same thing. However, 10 months later we've never been billed nor has a claim been submitted to insurance, so I don't know what happened. I'd call the billing office to make sure that's still their policy.

Ylvelill · February 2014

I tried to have it done but it kept coming back inconclusive

curlylocks3 · February 2014

We did not do it, although I asked about it because of our family history. I was told that with twins it was only going to be ~80% accurate, plus we wouldn't know which baby any of the chromosomes came from. We did the NT scan/accompanying blood work.

zazu13 · February 2014

We didn't do any testing either. We knew that no diagnosis would change our mind about carrying the pregnancy to term so we decided there was no reason to.

eandk18 · February 2014

We didn't do any testing either because as pp said, my OB said with twins the bloodwork would be inaccurate.

LilSip0611 · February 2014

There is a margin of error with all the tests but they are still more accurate than the NT scan and sequential screen. They look at each babies circulating cell free DNA and provide a risk score, not necessarily a positive/negative result. Only a CVS/amino can give you a true poisitive or negative result. Good luck with your decision, we just had the Harmony test drawn because our NT scan came back with an elevated risk and we just want to be prepared so we have an idea what to expect.

carrotcake06 · February 2014

Happy_Yahoo_Personaler said:

zazu13 said:

We didn't do any testing either. We knew that no diagnosis would change our mind about carrying the pregnancy to term so we decided there was no reason to.

Us too. There was no way I wasn't going to have these girls, so testing only would have freaked us out.

I feel the need to point out that the converse isn't always true here. Just bc you decide to pursue first trimester testing (bc I'm assuming you had an anatomy scan and NSTs if needed later on) doesn't mean that if a problem is found, termination is on the table. Some people (like me) need as much info as possible.

For me, NOT testing would have brought greater anxiety. I understand what the numbers mean and what the results mean and then I can make informed choices about care - switch to a higher level NICU, find support groups, prepare for potential issues after birth.

Doing early testing is a personal choice. With twins it comes with additional considerations since it can be less accurate. As long as you know and understand those caveats, then it's really your decision.

lmielocl1 · February 2014

I called before we had the test done. My insurance was out of network bug they told me they have a patient assistance program for higher risk patients where it would only cost a max of $200. They told me I will probably get a bill for more than this and when I do to call. & I can pay the $200 over the phone. I wouldn't have done the test if it were going to be the $2700 but I did knowing it was $200. I had a tough experience with the NT screening with my last pg and opted to do the mt21 test instead this time.

LeoLauren · February 2014

Thanks everyone! Super helpful! I did some more digging and found out that bc I will be 35 when the twins arrive, I'm covered....though I won't really be. My edd is 9 days after my birthday and my dr will schedule my C at 37 weeks so I will still be 34. Score one for the little guy for once!!

I'm also in the same camp....wouldn't not have these babies but not knowing would make me cray! My big challenge (hopefully the only one) will be not finding out the genders which goes against every fiber of my being!!

CaliCarly77 · February 2014

Took the test - best piece of mind ever and we stayed team green throughout & till birth.

Momof8inSC · February 2014

zazu13 said:
We didn't do any testing either. We knew that no diagnosis would change our mind about carrying the pregnancy to term so we decided there was no reason to.

This^^

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