Harmony, Verifi, panorama, maternit21 are all brands of cell free DNA tests - like the difference between coke and Pepsi. Same basic thing, just different brands. Which one your doctor will offer will depend on who they contract with. The primary use of these tests is to look for trisomy 13, 18, and 21. This includes Downs. They can also test at the same time for sex aneuploidies...which also gives you the sex of the baby. These tests are all non-invasive and are done with a blood sample from the mother at some point beyond 10 weeks. Often, these tots are done in place of an NT scan - which is an ultrasound done between weeks 12-14 that takes a measurement of certain pars of the baby and a blood sample from the mother. The NT scan will give you odds of having a child with downs - like 1 in 200, or 1 in 3. The cell free DNA tests are more of a yes or no, although a more invasive amnio or CVS test is usually recommended to confirm a positive diagnosis on a cell-free DNA test (they are also recommended when a higher likelihood is determined by NT scan.
TTC Since January 2012
Me:37 DH:34 DX July 2013: Unexplained Infertility New DX Dec 2013: DOR
Yes, I have asked my dr. why I can't just stay here and I think because she had it done with her last pregnancy that she felt it was more involved to go and see someone who does the testing regularly. I am going to call the dr. I was referred to on Monday and see if I can have a distance consultation and local blood draw.
It tests the gender and can be run as early as 10 weeks but the main thing with this test is it is a safe way of getting accurate genetic testing without having to do an amniocentesis.
I had MaterniT21 with my first and it was covered by insurance b/c my anatomy scan showed 2 soft markers that needed to be ruled out (which they were). If I did not have medical reasoning for the test, my insurance would have made me pay up to $250 towards the overall cost.
This time around, my husband and I decided we want all testing done as early in the pregnancy as possible so I will be electively getting Harmony drawn at 12w3d. I have a great insurance plan, but the EOB already explains that I would need a medical reason or to be of advanced maternal age to have this test covered. Electively testing is not reason enough so my MFM is not putting this claim through insurance and I will be paying Ariosa (the company) a flat out of pocket fee of $130.
*notes- test does not work for multiples. check with insurance to see if this can be covered for you. any DNA blood test can still deliver false results but it does have a very high accuracy rating. you can get the test as early as 10wks but some have reported needing repeat testing for not enough fetal DNA being present at the time of the draw.
My doctor said these tests are usually not covered by insurance in the traditional way, but sometimes your insurance company might be "in network" for the labs that do this testing. However, she said if it is in network it usually ends up being more expensive because the lab will bill your insurance the full amount (like $1,500 or something like that), and you end up having to pay whatever your insurance doesn't cover (and insurance likely doesn't cover much). She said it is better if your insurance is out of network, or just to bypass insurance all together because the lab will then just charge you a flat fee for the test. I called the lab that does the Harmony test (Ariosa), and they said without insurance it is $130 max out of pocket. Not too shabby to get some peace of mind and find out the sex at 10 weeks! All in all, if you're interested, I suggest calling the lab of whatever test you're looking into and asking about the max out of pocket costs you will pay.
Seriously, with the gender thing. She obviously didn't say gender over sex to be offensive. Let it go. Sanctimommies, much?!
Haha omg this gif is awesome, totally made me laugh out loud.
I just wanted to add that I happen to be glad that people make the gender/sex distinction here. it wasn't until being part of this community that it even fully occurred to me that gender and sex really aren't interchangeable. I appreciate anything that makes me a more informed person.
Actually, costs can run anywhere from about $200 to upwards of $2800 if insurance doesn't cover it. My insurance will cover it for me because I am both AMA and high risk, but if it didn't, I would definitely call up and find out what my OOP cost would be prior to having the test done.
I had the MaterniT21 with my first. It was done after my NT scan came back with higher risk for Downs. The test was not covered at that time (3 years ago) due to not having FDA approval. They have since received it and from my friend who delivered in June, I have heard it is covered for those of us with AMA
The test was supposed to be $2800 but the company had discounted it to $500 as they were trying to get their sample numbers to a key threshold for FDA approval.
I will totally be getting the test again and will probably skip the NT testing as it was very stressful and not very accurate.
Seriously, with the gender thing. She obviously didn't say gender over sex to be offensive. Let it go. Sanctimommies, much?!
My favorite is people who act like it's stupid to be offended by an incorrect term but are simultaneously offended by seeing polite corrections for it.
Some serious logic there!
LFAF/Nov 16 challenge: Bad TV moms that shouldn't be celebrated
BFP #1 10/30/15 MMC found 11/30/15 D&C 12/11/15 EDD 7/9/16
healing comes in waves, and maybe today the wave hits the rocks and that’s ok, that’s ok, darling. you are still healing, you are still healing- Ijeoma Umebinyuo, be gentle with yourself BFP #2 3/21 EDD 11/28/16
I'm having the Nuchal Translucency test & PAPP-A (which is I believe the same testing you're all referring to for genetic abnormalities) and I just called my insurance provider, and my doctor and they both said it is covered, (and I'm not high risk and I'm under 35). The Dr. said that most plans (I can only speak for the US!) are covering it now a days... and they hadn't in the past, this is just my experience but hope that helps!
I'm getting one at just after 10 weeks. I hope I still get the results - they'll be coming in on 22/23 December and I'll also be away.
Does anyone know if the results come by phone/email/post/follow-up appointment?
With DD, my OB's assistant called me with the results (took a week). It was all negative. I assume if anything was positive the OB would have seen me in person to discuss.
Hi everyone so my perinatal department called today to schedule my genetic blood and ultrasound test. It won't tell me the gender which is fine that's not the reason I am testing. I just want to find out if the baby is developing normally or if DH and I need to prepare and or find resources. As anyone else had this test I don't know what's it's called or what do they look at on the ultrasound I will be 12 weeks the day of this test. Just looking for insight in what to expect
Hi everyone so my perinatal department called today to schedule my genetic blood and ultrasound test. It won't tell me the gender which is fine that's not the reason I am testing. I just want to find out if the baby is developing normally or if DH and I need to prepare and or find resources. As anyone else had this test I don't know what's it's called or what do they look at on the ultrasound I will be 12 weeks the day of this test. Just looking for insight in what to expect
The other thing it could be is a test for your genetics such as the Councyl Family Prep test. This is also different from a free-cell DNA test.
Okay I just found out that it is Nuchal Translucency Screening
Yes... Different than the Harmony or other free cell DNA. Some people do both and others do one or the other. Nuchal (NT) is more common (I believe.)
Thanks I know I'm not high risk right now since I'm only 26 and this is my first and we don't have a family history so I can't afford to do the other DNA tests such as Harmony. Sorry if this is in the wrong thread just interested to find out what it is going to test and find out. Thanks the insight ladies
Okay I just found out that it is Nuchal Translucency Screening
Yes... Different than the Harmony or other free cell DNA. Some people do both and others do one or the other. Nuchal (NT) is more common (I believe.)
Thanks I know I'm not high risk right now since I'm only 26 and this is my first and we don't have a family history so I can't afford to do the other DNA tests such as Harmony. Sorry if this is in the wrong thread just interested to find out what it is going to test and find out. Thanks the insight ladies
IMHO, an NT scan (nuchal) is perfect for you. No need to worry about not being able to afford the free-cell DNA. As you said, you're not high-risk or AMA. I'm AMA plus have a history of trisomy & MMC so it's a no-brainer for me. It's always nice to be able to learn a lot on the boards.
Re: Harmony Test Anyone Else Gotten One or Planning Too?
4 rounds of clomid, 2 with IUI = BFN
Haha omg this gif is awesome, totally made me laugh out loud.
I just wanted to add that I happen to be glad that people make the gender/sex distinction here. it wasn't until being part of this community that it even fully occurred to me that gender and sex really aren't interchangeable. I appreciate anything that makes me a more informed person.
Does anyone know if the results come by phone/email/post/follow-up appointment?
The test was supposed to be $2800 but the company had discounted it to $500 as they were trying to get their sample numbers to a key threshold for FDA approval.
I will totally be getting the test again and will probably skip the NT testing as it was very stressful and not very accurate.
BFP #2 3/21 EDD 11/28/16