Harmony test with a PGT-A tested embryo?

[LLG54321]

Wondering if anyone can help, I’m 8 weeks today with a PGT-A tested embryo (euploid). Is it advised to do the harmony test? Might this show something that the PGT-A testing didn’t? I don’t want to find out the sex so I’m only doing the harmony test to check for abnormalities. My clinic weren’t very conclusive so I’m confused. Thank you 🙏🏻

[DianeArnold Partner]

Hi LLG. Unless your clinic advises it, so you really need one as the PGT would give you in depth results. Speak to your specialist to check whether really necessary. Diane

[LLG54321 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks- that is what I thought. I feel like my clinic just want some more money out of me as they aren’t giving the facts about what the harmony might tell us that the PGT didn’t… hence my confusion.

[Runcaptain in reply to LLG54321]

What did you decide? I too have been offered the harmony test but like you don’t want to find out the sex & had my embryo pgt tested.

[LLG54321 in reply to Runcaptain]

I think I’m probably going to get it done. I’ve had so many tests over the years and so I’m thinking why not do this last one. Yes it’s another £400 but in the scheme of what IVF has cost me… I saw the midwife this week and I might wait until after my 12 week scan to find out those results. But also I’m keen to get it asap. You also get a more in depth scan which has to be good. How far gone are you? What are you thinking? X

[Runcaptain in reply to LLG54321]

I’m 7weeks & have been offered a scan & test at 9 weeks. Did your gp refer you to a midwife? I have yet to contact mine. Should this be something I should have already done?

[LLG54321 in reply to Runcaptain]

Congratulations! I’m 9+4. My friend actually said to register with a hospital, I could do self referral so I saw the midwife this week, which I think is ‘normal’ timings. I told my gp I was pregnant but they didn’t care to be honest! So you will do harmony at 9 weeks or a normal scan?

[Missl73]

Are you in the UK? Personally with a tested embryo I wouldn’t spend money on the harmony and just have your NHS screening. If it comes back high risk you’ll be offered NIPT (which is the same as Harmony for free on the NHS). I’d say the chances of it coming back high risk are low (but not zero since embryo testing takes cells from what will be become the placenta not the fetus so isn’t a 100% guarantee). Harmony reliably tests for the 3 main trisomies 13, 18 & 21 which is the same ones the NHS screening looks for.

[LLG54321 in reply to Missl73]

I hadn’t realised this, thank you. And yes I am in the Uk.

[Runcaptain]

I’m leaning more towards just a normal scan at 9weeks. As Miss173 says the pgs testing is not a guarantee but knowing that I’d be entitled to further testing on the nhs if markers were found at the standard 12wk scan I think is enough for me at the mo.

[LLG54321 in reply to Runcaptain]

Yes this is true. I hadn’t actually appreciated I would get free tests on nhs should the 12 week scan show something. That’s good to know. So much to think about!

[Gempuddleduck]

Hiya, we also have a PGT-A tested normal embryo but I had the harmony test done anyway and we paid the £400. Our baby had Edward’s syndrome last year so wanted to rule out as many possibilities of it being a poorly baby as possible. For me, it was well worth it as I went into the NHS 12 week scan with much less anxiety and we told people the news straight after the scan as we didn’t have to wait the 72 hours after for the blood tests results to come through. Wishing you lots of love and luck whatever you decide xxx

[LLG54321 in reply to Gempuddleduck]

This makes total sense, it’s the reassurance. We have now decided to get to 12 weeks and then we will make the decision. I’ve actually had spotting so have had 3 early scans already- but the gap between the last and 12 weeks is taking forever! Thank you xx