Harmony Test Anyone Else Gotten One or Planning Too?

CallWool · November 2015

I am looking at getting the Harmony test and wondered if anyone else has done this or is thinking of doing it? It seems to just be a simple blood draw but my doctor is referring me to another doctor 3.5 hours away from me. Has anyone had this blood draw/test run from their home doctor's office?

WVUPetunia · November 2015

My regular OB can do it, but we haven't decided if we want that option or one of the others yet. From what I understand, it's a blood draw that goes to their lab, so I don't know why you'd have to go somewhere else... Did you ask your doctor why he/she wanted to refer you elsewhere for it?

MotherOfDucks · November 2015

I don't understand what this is...

Pankers · November 2015

We did this last time. It was our preferred option to the invasive testing. Being a science and Maths geek it was cool to see the data.

knitmama · November 2015

I did the MaterniT21 test last time. Same testing, just a different brand. We chose it over other "regular" tests because not only was it noninvasive with no risks, it gave nearly 100% accurate results.

My OB always sent us to a lab for blood work. But I had to go to a specific lab for this, not the regular one. Because these are brand-name tests, it's sent to those companies' labs for processing. Mine went to San Diego (we're in LA). That's probably why you have to go somewhere else, but it seems odd that you have to drive so far and there isn't a local lab to do the blood draw.

djham88 · November 2015

Got the harmony with my youngest. Super easy and much more accurate. It said boy and he's definitely a boy

djham88 · November 2015

I didn't have to drive anywhere. Had it done in the OB office

KASG · November 2015

This is a gender test??

How far along do you need to be for this?

BostonBaby1 · November 2015

Yes. I will be having the Harmony. I will be doing it at my MFM and I don't know if it helps clarify, but I've seen them stocked on the shelves. They come in boxes that say Harmony and my doctors office has dozens. You probably have to go to a place that has the collection box.

WVUPetunia · November 2015

KASG said:

This is a gender test?? How far along do you need to be for this?

It's actually a test to look for chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome, but yes, it can give gender results, too. I believe you have to be 10 weeks to have it.

BostonBaby1 · November 2015

Actually, I don't mean to be contrary but it absolutely can't tell you the gender of your baby. Gender is an identity that is developed. What it can tell you is the sex which is the biological difference between male and female and only determines how your baby will pee. Very different than gender. But PP is correct, it's purpose is to look for chromosomal abnormality's. The sex of the baby is just additional.

FiancB · November 2015

Here I was offered the progenity test. I'm pretty sure it's the same thing. I think we will have it; it's the least invasive test and from there we can decide if we want to move onto more invasive, slightly riskier tests. Plus I'm super impatient and want to know the sex- a nice plus when nervously waiting for results.

erinhall13 · November 2015

I believe you need to be 9 weeks to have the test.

RubyRedPirate · November 2015

If it is less invasive and includes sex, why is it something that isn't terribly common? Is it not covered by insurance? I'm all for non invasive tests for abnormalities but the sex would be a bonus. Everyone on the forums talks about leaning the sex on scans so I'm wondering why this isn't more popular with all the added benifts.

erinhall13 · November 2015

From what I understand it is very new and isn't covered by most insurance providers yet. It will probably be standard testing over time.

Taymiller · November 2015

CaseySue07 said:
If it is less invasive and includes sex, why is it something that isn't terribly common? Is it not covered by insurance? I'm all for non invasive tests for abnormalities but the sex would be a bonus. Everyone on the forums talks about leaning the sex on scans so I'm wondering why this isn't more popular with all the added benifts.

It isn't always covered by insurance and can be expensive.

RubyRedPirate · November 2015

Taymiller said:

It isn't always covered by insurance and can be expensive.

I've been reading about it and see that there are certain parameters that can cover the cost, otherwise it looks expensive! My husband's uncle has down syndrome and my brother is autistic. Makes me wonder if they will cover anything. Regardless, Im going to ask at my first appointmt next week so I can at least get info and ask my insurance company.

katgom · November 2015

I'm getting the Harmony. In Australia it's done at 10 weeks and 2 days plus. We also get a quick scan with it but don't get results for 10 working days (because it goes to US) which will be a long wait in the Xmas period. I don't want to know the sex though, so I hope they don't accidentally tell me.

DaniKay6 · November 2015

BostonBaby1 said:
Actually, I don't mean to be contrary but it absolutely can't tell you the gender of your baby. Gender is an identity that is developed. What it can tell you is the sex which is the biological difference between male and female and only determines how your baby will pee. Very different than gender. But PP is correct, it's purpose is to look for chromosomal abnormality's. The sex of the baby is just additional.

There's always one on every board. You knew what she meant-why do people have such a boner for pointing this out.

BostonBaby1 · November 2015

DaniKay6 said:

BostonBaby1 said:
Actually, I don't mean to be contrary but it absolutely can't tell you the gender of your baby. Gender is an identity that is developed. What it can tell you is the sex which is the biological difference between male and female and only determines how your baby will pee. Very different than gender. But PP is correct, it's purpose is to look for chromosomal abnormality's. The sex of the baby is just additional.
There's always one on every board. You knew what she meant-why do people have such a boner for pointing this out.

Actually, I think you'll find that there's going to be more than one on this board. That's because it's unacceptable to interchange the terms gender and sex these days. I did not know the difference until being around these parts for a while. I'm sure that she appreciates it because it's offensive to many people to interchange the terms.

*ETA- And factually incorrect. You can google it.

didi0308 · November 2015

DaniKay6 said:

BostonBaby1 said:
Actually, I don't mean to be contrary but it absolutely can't tell you the gender of your baby. Gender is an identity that is developed. What it can tell you is the sex which is the biological difference between male and female and only determines how your baby will pee. Very different than gender. But PP is correct, it's purpose is to look for chromosomal abnormality's. The sex of the baby is just additional.
There's always one on every board. You knew what she meant-why do people have such a boner for pointing this out.

Hi! @BostonBaby1 is in fact correct. There is more than one on this board.

Refusing to acknowledge the difference here is pure ignorance. Do you know how many transgender people end their lives over this? sex and gender are not the same thing. She was simply and kindly educating someone on this. You should do the same. Educate yourself. It is unacceptable.

DaniKay6 · November 2015

***Removed for TOU Violation***

didi0308 · November 2015

DaniKay6 said:
Lol. My brother is transgendered. I acknowledge the difference but don't think anyone here needs to be schooled on sex vs gender. She wasn't being malicious, and traditionally speaking people use the term 'gender' in medical and non-medical settings. Calm your tits.

So then you should understand that education is important on this topic? Right? It seems you were the one coming in her stiring up shit. So if anyone has tits to calm its you. Having a family member that is transgender you should be applauding @BostonBaby1 for trying to bright light to this. Not making rude comments about "there always being one" there is always one that needs to cause drama and that my dear is now you.

AL_TwinCities · November 2015

DaniKay6 said:
Lol. My brother is transgendered. I acknowledge the difference but don't think anyone here needs to be schooled on sex vs gender. She wasn't being malicious, and traditionally speaking people use the term 'gender' in medical and non-medical settings. Calm your tits.

If you look at any BMB, you'll find that plenty of people appreciate learning the difference and did not realize using gender to refer to sex is no longer culturally acceptable (or accurate). @BostonBaby1 was not worked up about this, she very calmly stated that there is a difference. I think you may be the one who needs to "calm your tits".

DaniKay6 · November 2015

Right. Best of luck to you ladies! I don't have the energy to have the same arguments over and over again from the last round of BMB. Abortion, religion, gender vs sex, alcohol during pregnancy...I'll stick to my original board. Happy and healthy 9 months.

dolewhipper · November 2015

DaniKay6 said:

Right. Best of luck to you ladies! I don't have the energy to have the same arguments over and over again from the last round of BMB. Abortion, religion, gender vs sex, alcohol during pregnancy...I'll stick to my original board. Happy and healthy 9 months.

kimw3 · November 2015

My Ob can do it. I need to make sure insurance will cover it. I think we are going to since I am 37, there is an increased risk of chromosome abnormalities. It can be done at 10 weeks. That is when, through research, there is fetal DNA in the mothers blood stream. It is a blood draw, so not invasive and no risk to baby. This is not a test to reveal sex, there is an option to detect presence of the Y chromosome with the test. If you do not want to find that out tell them when you get the test and they do not have to look for it. Some people want to do it to find out sex, but what would you do if there were s problem with the baby? People could be getting more than they bargain for. Good luck everyone trying to decide if they want this test or not.

carcrashheart · November 2015

BostonBaby1 said:
Actually, I don't mean to be contrary but it absolutely can't tell you the gender of your baby. Gender is an identity that is developed. What it can tell you is the sex which is the biological difference between male and female and only determines how your baby will pee. Very different than gender. But PP is correct, it's purpose is to look for chromosomal abnormality's. The sex of the baby is just additional.

FiancB · November 2015

Use the word sex instead of gender. It's not that fucking hard. I can sort of understand using the word gender when talking about gender reveals because sex just sounds weird. But when it comes down to finding out whether it's a boy or girl purely based on its chromosomes, definitely use sex. It's stupid not to. It's the medically correct term (not directed at the person that was corrected by boston baby but to our favorite gbcber in here that is apparently offended by a need to swap one word for another more accurate one).

Back to original topic: I was told that insurance should cover most of it and my clinic has never seen someone have to pay more than $70 out of pocket. Still a good idea to check to make sure though. I know with Progenity, there is a number you can call that will look at your insurance and break it down for you, though it's probably a good idea to get a second opinion from your actual insurance company.

Pankers · November 2015

I had it in the U.S. And my insurance only covered some of it. I think it's about $1500 (about 2 years ago it was this) and we ended up paying $250 out of pocket. Worth it in our opinion. We'd have paid the $1500. I'll find out my options in the UK in a week or so.

BostonBaby1 · November 2015

DaniKay6 said:
Right. Best of luck to you ladies! I don't have the energy to have the same arguments over and over again from the last round of BMB. Abortion, religion, gender vs sex, alcohol during pregnancy...I'll stick to my original board. Happy and healthy 9 months.

Stay classy. Phrasing like "has a boner" and "calm your tits," are simply shit-stirring. You barely have any points so I don't know which BMB you are from but what I do know is that this is obviously an alternate ego or burner account for you. Were you already banned? That wouldn't surprise me. Stop trying to cause issues on this BMB.

FTR, there were multiple people using the term gender incorrectly on this thread. It happens on every BMB, particularly in the beginning until it is understood that it's not the correct terminology. I wasn't calling out any person in particular. As I said before, I did not know the difference myself until being around these parts for a bit.

*typo

Taymiller · November 2015

I just want to say calling someone a boner is so classy. You won't be missed.

knitmama · November 2015

kimw3 said:
My Ob can do it. I need to make sure insurance will cover it. I think we are going to since I am 37, there is an increased risk of chromosome abnormalities. It can be done at 10 weeks. That is when, through research, there is fetal DNA in the mothers blood stream. It is a blood draw, so not invasive and no risk to baby. This is not a test to reveal sex, there is an option to detect presence of the Y chromosome with the test. If you do not want to find that out tell them when you get the test and they do not have to look for it. Some people want to do it to find out sex, but what would you do if there were s problem with the baby? People could be getting more than they bargain for. Good luck everyone trying to decide if they want this test or not.

I'm not certain about the Harmony test, but the MaterniT21 includes a test for abnormalities of the sex chromosomes. That's why the sex is detected, not because you choose to find out or not. But because the sex is apparent, your doctor can share it with you if you want to know. When I received the results of the Mat21, they gave me the results first, and after we discussed them, she asked if I wanted to know the sex or not.

WVUPetunia · November 2015

BostonBaby1 said:

DaniKay6 said:
Right. Best of luck to you ladies! I don't have the energy to have the same arguments over and over again from the last round of BMB. Abortion, religion, gender vs sex, alcohol during pregnancy...I'll stick to my original board. Happy and healthy 9 months.
Stay classy. Phrasing like "has a boner" and "calm your tits," are simply shit-stirring. You barely have any points so I don't know which BMB you are from but what I do know is that this is obviously an alternate ego or burner account for you. Were you already banned? That wouldn't surprise me. Stop trying to cause issues on this BMB.

FTR, there were multiple people using the term gender incorrectly on this thread. It happens on every BMB, particularly in the beginning until it is understood that it's not the correct terminology. I wasn't calling out any person in particular. As I said before, I did not know the difference myself until being around these parts for a bit.

*typo

Oops, I actually do know the difference, but I followed the language of the person I was answering without thinking. No harm done in reminding me; I appreciate it.

I want to be sure I am using the right terminology.

BostonBaby1 · November 2015

WVUPetunia said:

BostonBaby1 said:

DaniKay6 said:
Right. Best of luck to you ladies! I don't have the energy to have the same arguments over and over again from the last round of BMB. Abortion, religion, gender vs sex, alcohol during pregnancy...I'll stick to my original board. Happy and healthy 9 months.
Stay classy. Phrasing like "has a boner" and "calm your tits," are simply shit-stirring. You barely have any points so I don't know which BMB you are from but what I do know is that this is obviously an alternate ego or burner account for you. Were you already banned? That wouldn't surprise me. Stop trying to cause issues on this BMB.

FTR, there were multiple people using the term gender incorrectly on this thread. It happens on every BMB, particularly in the beginning until it is understood that it's not the correct terminology. I wasn't calling out any person in particular. As I said before, I did not know the difference myself until being around these parts for a bit.

*typo
Oops, I actually do know the difference, but I followed the language of the person I was answering without thinking. No harm done in reminding me; I appreciate it. I want to be sure I am using the right terminology.

I occasionally have to double check myself too. There's a lot to keep straight!

Serpica · November 2015

I'll be getting the Harmony at 12 wks... the doctor did a good job of explaining to us what it screens for and what a positive would mean (i.e., a reason to do more screens/tests, not a diagnosis). Sounds worth it!

PinkLady2015 · November 2015

Anyone know how much this test costs in the US if not covered by insurance or if there's a discount rate for those out of pocket?

Allison7 · November 2015

The cost varies a bit from company to company. I did the Verifi test with DD and it was $895 that was applied towards out deductible/max out of pocket. If we had a different plan it would have been covered, but I qualify because I am considered AMA. History of loss or family history can also contribute to the test being covered by insurance. E reason why the tests aren't covered for everyone is because they cost more than an NT Scan with a quad screening. Once the price goes down, then these types of test will probably be covered for more people.

katiebartton · November 2015

I'll be getting it done. I had Panorama done last time and will request that again this time

GoBadgers · November 2015

Counsyl recently launched non invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) as well, and I think has an out of pocket discounted price. Additionally, within the past couple of months, many of the Anthems are covering NIPS for non high risk patients. Traditionally NIPS had been seen as an option for high risk individuals so offered as an option along with CVS/amino as a way to test/screen for chromosome abnormalities.

stillcozy · November 2015

Okay so as a FTM I am a little overwhelmed and confused by the several different tests. Is this the one that tests for downs or is that something else? We just want to find out if things are alright or if we need to prepare and line up support for baby right away. I'm fine waiting to find out the gender more curious if this is a better test for genetics or if anyone would prefer another one.

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