How much does the Harmony test cost in London? 

Which week is best for the Harmony test?

The Harmony test NIPT was available from 10 weeks of pregnancy, the test failure was relatively high at 10 weeks with The Birth Company recommending 11 weeks as the optimal time to have your NIPT to reduce the likelihood of test failure. If the NIPT fails a free of charge rescan and repeat blood test is offered.

VeriSeq NIPT replaced Harmony NIPT in September 2023. VeriSeq demonstrate a lower test failure rate. NIPT is available from 10 weeks of pregnancy, the benefit of having the screening this early is to offer early reassurance and optimal pregnancy pathways. The NIPT can be performed throughout the pregnancy, with no cut off period.

Is the Harmony test better than NHS?

Harmony test was the first NIPT available in the UK. It is no longer available, however other NIPT tests are available. NIPT has a greater sensitivity and PPV than the NHS screening, therefore reducing the likelihood of having an invasive test recommended unnecessarily. VeriSeq NIPT replaced Harmony NIPT in September 2023.

What is the success rate of the Harmony NIPT?

The sensitivity of the Harmony NIPT was over 99% for Downs syndrome. The Positive predictive value of the Harmony test for Downs syndrome varies from 70-99%. The sensitivity of the NHS combined screening is 70-85%, the positive predictive value of the NHS combined screening is 5-15%. The PPV is the likelihood that the condition is actually present, as these are screening tests and do not confirm that a baby has a condition, they determine pregnancies where there is an increased likelihood of the condition.
The Harmony test is no longer available in the UK, replaced by VeriSeq NIPT at TDL.

Is Panorama better than the Harmony test?

Panorama NIPT is processed and analysed in the USA. It offers screening for further conditions than the Harmony test. The Harmony test is no longer available in the UK, it has been replaced by VeriSeq NIPT at TDL.

Should I fast before the Harmony test?
There is no need to fast before the Harmony test or any of the NIPTs available at The Birth Company. It is a simple blood test in the arm of the pregnant person.

How long is the wait for the Harmony test?

Harmony test results took from 5 to 10 days, an average of 7 days. Harmony has been replaced by Veriseq NIPT. These results can return as quickly as 2 days, but sometimes up to 10 days depending upon the day/time you attend your NIPT appointment and the analysis of your blood sample.

The Birth Company is open 7 days per week, with late evening clinics ensuring greater availability for your appointments and faster results for your NIPT.

Which abnormalities can be seen at 12 weeks?

Our specialist sonographers at The Birth Company are able to determine major structural abnormalities at 12 weeks such as acrania, gastroschisis/omphalocele, missing limbs, herniated diaphragm, increased nuchal translucency and confirm if baby is growing and developing correctly.

Is Harmony test 100% accurate?
No. The Harmony test is a type of of NIPT, Non Invasive Prenatal test. It is a screening test for Downs syndrome, Edwards Syndrome and Pataus syndrome, it is not diagnostic therefore it is not 100% accurate. It does not confirm the presence of the conditions screened for, it determines only if the pregnancy is a higher likelihood for the conditions screened for. Harmony is no longer available in the UK, replaced with VeriSeq NIPT.

Is the Harmony test worth it UK?

The Harmony test is a type of NIPT. NIPT is the most advanced screening for the 3 most common chromosomal conditions.

NIPT (formerly Harmony) is available from 10 weeks of pregnancy which is earlier than the NHS screening (from 12 weeks), offering early reassurance particularly for those over 35 years of age who have a higher likelihood of a high probability result from the NHS screening, which may lead to an unnecessary recommendation for invasive testing.

The sensitivity of the Harmony NIPT was over 99% for Downs syndrome. The Positive predictive value of the Harmony test for Downs syndrome varies from 70-99%. The sensitivity of the NHS combined screening is 70-85%, the positive predictive value of the NHS combined screening is 5-15%. The PPV is the likelihood that the condition is actually present, as these are screening tests and do not confirm that a baby has a condition, they determine pregnancies where there is an increased likelihood of the condition.
Harmony is no longer available in the UK, replaced by TDL VeriSeq NIPT.

Can the Harmony test predict the wrong gender?

The Harmony NIPT was 99% sensitive for the sex of baby, with a PPV most commonly greater than 99%. If the sex of the baby from NIPT is discordant from the sex of baby by ultrasound, further investigation and counselling is recommended. Harmony is no longer available in the UK, replaced by TDL VeriSeq NIPT.