The Harmony test is a Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) that analyses cell free fetal DNA in maternal blood and gives an indication of whether the baby is at high or low chance of having trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) or trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). To provide a more accurate assessment, an ultrasound examination will be done in combination to reassure the fetal well-being at the time of the test. This test can be used in both naturally conceived and IVF pregnancies, as well as singleton and twin pregnancies. It can also tell you what your baby’s gender is.

Although the likelihood of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, the majority of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under the age of 35. Chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome do not typically run in families and can occur in any pregnancy. The test is appropriate for any pregnant woman who is more than 10 weeks pregnant. An ultrasound scan is required to confirm the fetus’s gestation and whether it is a single or twin pregnancy. However, it is not appropriate in the case of a vanishing twin.

The Dating Scan and Harmony/NIPT package can be offered together for a comprehensive prenatal assessment. The Dating Scan provides information on the gestational age, due date, and basic fetal structure, while the Harmony/NIPT package offers a reliable assessment of the genetic risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities and the baby’s gender. The combined package can offer expectant mothers’ greater peace of mind about their pregnancy and help medical professionals provide appropriate care and support.

This screening test identifies 99%, of the babies with Down syndrome, 98% of babies with Edwards syndrome, 90% of babies with Patau syndrome and %99 accuracy for gender.

In cases where NIPT indicates a low probability, The patient should continue with routine prenatal care. Fetal physical abnormalities such as brain abnormalities, spina bifida or growth restriction are not detected by the Harmony test. Therefore, it is advised that you continue to get ultrasound scans at 11–13 weeks, 20–22 weeks for detail fetal anatomy, and 30–32 weeks to assess the fetal growth.

Your blood sample together with your personal data (such as name, DOB, gestational age and method of conception) will be sent to TDL (The Doctors Laboratory) based in London.

The test results are often available in less than two weeks, and we’ll let you know via phone and email, as soon as we have them. About 5% of the time, the test produces no results which is due to technical difficulties with the sample analysis, not an issue with the baby.  In this case, we can repeat the test at no cost.

NIPT (Harmony test)   £525