NIPT- Harmony Test
What is the Harmony Test (NIPT) ?
The harmony test is a non-invasive prenatal screening test (NIPT) which can be performed from 10 weeks gestation*.
It is a simple blood test taken from the mother which is then analysed for cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the fetus. cfDNA is the result of the natural breakdown of fetal cells and can be found in the mother’s blood. cfDNA can be tested to identify:-
- 99% of babies with Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- 98% of babies with Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- 80% of babies with Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13)
When can I have the Harmony Test performed
You can have the Harmony Test performed from 10 weeks gestation on
How Is The Test Performed & How Long Will It Take To Get The Results?
Before the blood test is taken, the sonographer will discuss the test with you to answer any questions you may have. You will then be asked to complete a consent form. You may require an ultrasound scan to confirm gestational age, if you have not already had an early pregnancy scan completed.
Your results will be reported to you within 8 working days of your appointment. You will be contacted by a member of our team who will explain the test results to you.
Once you receive the email/results you can always contact us if there is anything you need to discuss.
How do I interpret the results?
The results will come back as 0.01% probability which is your low chance result or 99.9% which is your increased probability result. If it reports low probability, no further follow up required. In the event of a high probability result, we will provide you with a referral letter to a Fetal Medicine Unit in an EPAU in order to discuss your next steps.
Why Choose the Harmony Test (NIPT)?
The Harmony test is now one of the most accurate and non-invasive tests available to predict the chance of your baby having a chromosomal abnormality.
If the test result shows a low probability result for a chromosomal abnormality, then your baby will have a probability of less than 1 in 10,000.
If the test result shows a high probability result, then the probability that your baby has a chromosomal abnormality is greater than 99%.
What if I have a high probability test result?
A high probability result does not mean your baby definitely has a chromosomal abnormality although it is highly likely. For this reason, a procedure such as an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) may be recommended following a high probability Harmony result.
What are the other screening tests available and why is the Harmony test better?
Current screening tests(Nuchal Translucency scan)have a false positive rate (that is, the results suggest a problem when the baby is in fact healthy) of around 4%. The Harmony test has a false positive rate of 0.1%. This reduction in the false positive rate reduces the number of women being offered invasive testing, using chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Both of these procedures carry around a one in 100 risk of causing a miscarriage.
What is the cost of the Harmony Test (NIPT)?
It is €500 and with an Early scan / Just a look scan the price is an additional €100
How Do I book?
If you wish to book in for the Harmony Testing, please contact use our online booking system for Dundrum and Cork clinics.
Cork – Please book online here
Dundrum – Please book online here
Swords (Saturday appointments available) – – Please book online here
If you would like to find out about the Harmony Test more please read The Harmony Patient Brochure
