Harmony NIPT

What is Harmony NIPT?

The Harmony test is a type of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing that can screen for conditions such as Down’s syndrome. It is a simple blood test that will enable us to look at your baby’s DNA to check for chromosomal conditions. 

Why this test?

  • Screens for Down’s, Edward’s and Patau’s syndromes
  • More accurate than the Nuchal Translucency Scan
  • Optional screening for sex chromosome conditions
  • Results back in 5 days on average

What you will receive

  • Full NIPT report to add to your maternity notes
  • High or low probability result for each condition
  • Ultrasound scan pictures and report

When Should You Have the Harmony Test?

The Harmony test is a non-invasive test that can screen for chromosomal conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. We can also check for sex chromosome conditions or find out if you’re expecting a boy or girl using this test.

NIPT is a safe and accurate screening test that can be performed earlier than the Nuchal Translucency Scan. We recommend this test for all pregnancies, but it is particularly important if you are at higher probability of chromosomal conditions, for example if you are older parents or previous pregnancies have been affected. The Harmony test is a good choice if you want a sex chromosome analysis and you need to get your results back as soon as possible.

You will get a full report showing the result for each condition. It will tell you how likely it is that your baby is affected.

What to Expect

  • You can have the Harmony test any time after 10 weeks. We recommend booking your NIPT appointment before the Nuchal Translucency Scan.
  • We will perform an ultrasound scan at the start of the NIPT appointment to check on your baby.
  • We will take a small sample of your blood, which will be sent straight to the lab for the Harmony test. The results should be back in 3-7 days.
  • The results will tell you if your baby is at high probability or low probability of each of the conditions included in the screening test.
  • If you receive a high probability result, then you can talk to us or your antenatal care provider about the next steps. You might want to arrange an invasive test such as amniocentesis to confirm the result.

Arranging Your Harmony NIPT

If you want to arrange Harmony NIPT in Cheshire, then it’s easy to book an appointment at a time that suits you through our online system. We recommend having the test before your Nuchal Translucency scan, but it is available any time after 10 weeks. If you’re not sure which type of NIPT is right for you, then get in touch to discuss the options with one of our experts.

 

Please note in the circumstance that during your appointment an ultrasound scan is performed but we do not proceed to the NIPT, a fee of £120 (£150 for evening/weekend appointments) will be charged for the appointment only. If booked online, £380 will be refunded to you.

Please note Anticoagulation therapy (blood thinners such as Clexane) can increase the possibility of receiving No Result for your NIPT. Please leave as long between administering your dose and your NIPT appointment as possible. For example, if you administer in the evening and have an early morning appointment, either change to an appointment late in the day, or refrain from your evening dose. If you administer in the morning, refrain from that dose until after your appointment. If you have any queries regarding this, please contact our team admin@thebirthcompany.co.uk.

For further information please see below:
Anticoagulation Therapy Publication

Patient Information

Some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. In later stages of pregnancy, it may be advised to perform a transvaginal ultrasound scan to have a closer look at a baby’s anatomy, or to assess the maternal cervix.

There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
The transducer will be introduced with a latex / non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy.
If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.   

Contraindications 

If you are a virgin (Virgo intacta; hymen intact), guidance determines that transvaginal ultrasound scans are clinically contraindicated. If you have discussed this concern with your referrer and wish to proceed with a transvaginal ultrasound scan, this type of examination can be performed.
 
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Harmony NIPT Online

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