This test does not require any referral from your healthcare providers it is a safe and non-invasive screening test. This option can only be performed if you have a scan report showing that you have a viable pregnancy over 10 week’s gestation. If you have had your combined screening and an increased probability has been generated we can offer you a service where we only need to take the bloods.

The NHS is currently researching this type of testing and it is believed to be available within the next few years only for those women with an increased chance from the combined screening.

The effectiveness of this screening test is that it will massively reduce the need to have invasive testing such as an amniocentesis of CVS (Chorionic Villus Sampling) to less than 1% which carries a risk of miscarriage.Ī low probability result does not mean there is absolutely no chance and a high probability result will require invasive testing such as an amniocentesis to provide a definitive, diagnostic answer. It must be remembered that the Harmony test is NOT diagnostic giving you a yes or no answer it is still screening that works in levels of probability and chance. The cell-free DNA can be tested in the most accurate screening process to detect the probability of the baby having Trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome) trisomy’s 18 (Edward’s syndrome) and 13 (Patau’s syndrome) are also tested. The Harmony Test is an option for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) with a 99% accurate chance detection rate. A blood sample from the mother is analysed for fetal DNA which circulates within her blood. This information along with the scan findings is combined and generates a chance of 1:>150 for a low probability result and 1:<150 for an increased probability result. The detection rate is around 70-80% sensitive dependent on the literature you read. The pregnancy is dated, the fluid at the back of the neck (Nuchal Translucency) is then measured and a blood test from the mother is taken to assess the hormone levels in the blood.

Currently screening for Trisomy 21, Down’s syndrome, is offered by the NHS as a combined test between 11+3 to 14+1 weeks.

30 weeks pregnant 4d ultrasound