The Harmony Test is a non-invasive prenatal screening test (NIPT) that checks for certain chromosomal conditions in your baby using a simple blood draw. It is typically offered after 10 weeks of pregnancy and is not diagnostic—it estimates the likelihood of a condition but does not confirm it.
What Does It Screen For?
- Common Trisomies:
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13) - Sex chromosome differences (e.g., Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome).
- Foetal sex (optional, if parents want to know).
How Does It Work?
- Blood Sample: A small amount of blood is taken from your arm.
- Analysis: The test detects tiny fragments of the baby’s DNA in your blood (cell-free DNA).
- Results: Usually available in 7–10 days.
Accuracy:
- Over 99% accurate for detecting Down syndrome.
- Lower accuracy for rarer conditions like Trisomy 13/18.
- False positives/negatives are possible; follow-up diagnostic tests (e.g., amniocentesis) are needed for confirmation.
Who Should Consider the Harmony Test?
- High-risk pregnancies:
Maternal age ≥35.
Family history of chromosomal conditions.
Abnormal ultrasound findings. - Low-risk pregnancies: Available to anyone seeking early screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Harmony Test safe?
A: Yes—it’s a blood test with no physical risk to you or the baby.
Q: What if my result is high-risk?
A: Your doctor will discuss options, including diagnostic tests like amniocentesis.
Q: Can it replace other prenatal tests?
A: No—it does not screen for neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida). A nuchal translucency scan or AFP blood test may still be needed.
Q: Does it tell me the baby’s gender?
A: Yes, if you choose this option.
Q: What if I have twins?
A: The test works for twin pregnancies but may be less accurate.
eGynaecologist Advice:
- Harmony test is non-invasive (no risk to the baby) with high accuracy for common trisomies, however, may not detect all chromosomal issues.
- Results may cause anxiety, and abnormal results require confirmatory testing (e.g., amniocentesis). You should consult your obstetrician or genetic counsellor for further discussion
