The Harmony test is a blood test that can be performed on pregnant women. With his help, Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities in the child can be detected with high certainty. Read here how the Harmony test works, what you should consider in advance and how high the costs are!
Harmony test: how does it work?
The Harmony test belongs to non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD): It can detect chromosomal abnormalities in the unborn child, without intervention in the expectant mother or the child itself (ie non-invasive). For the test, the doctor of the pregnant woman takes a blood sample. This is examined in the laboratory for traces of childhood genetic material (DNA). An analysis of these childish DNA snippets can show with high probability whether the offspring is one of the following three trisomies having:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 13
Also, the Harmony test can Deviations of the normal number of sex chromosomes determine. Such an anomaly occurs, for example, in Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome: in the Turner syndrome, which affects only girls, the cells have only one (instead of two) X chromosomes. The Klinefelter syndrome occurs only in boys: the affected have at least one supernumerary X chromosome.
Note: In addition to the Harmony test, there are also comparable blood tests from other manufacturers. These include the Prenatalis test, PraenaTest and Panorama test.
Harmony test: When is it feasible?
The Harmony test is earliest from the completed tenth week of pregnancy feasible (after a genetic consultation of the pregnant women). At an earlier stage, the amount of childhood maternal genetic material is insufficient for analysis.
Harmony test: For whom is it useful?
The Harmony test, like comparable prenatal blood tests, is mainly done in pregnant women whose child is at an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Such an increased risk exists, for example, if the expectant mother is already a bit older or the first-trimester screening has produced a noticeable result. The test can also be useful if a family member already has one of the chromosome deviations that can be clarified with the Harmony test.
Harmony Test: Benefits & Reliability
Until a few years ago, Down syndrome and other chromosome abnormalities in the unborn child could only be detected by invasive prenatal diagnosis, for example, by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. However, these invasive methods increase the risk of miscarriage. This disadvantage does not have non-invasive prenatal tests such as the Harmony test. so you are safe for the unborn child – only one maternal blood test is needed for the Harmony test and similar tests.
The result of the Harmony test is considered very reliable, Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13 are very likely to be detected. Only rarely is the test result wrong.
Harmony test: concerns
The same applies to the Harmony test as to comparable prenatal blood tests (such as PraenaTest and Panorama Test): the test result is not 100% safe, Very rarely, the result speaks for a chromosome aberration such as Down syndrome, while in reality there is none at all (false-positive result). Therefore, if the Harmony test is positive, an invasive prenatal study (such as amniocentesis) is recommended.
Conversely, the Harmony test can also be used in rare cases false negative result deliver: According to the test, for example, is most likely no Down syndrome before, but the child is still born with it.
In certain cases, the Harmony test is not feasible. This is true, for example, when the pregnant woman more than two children expected (triplets etc.). at twin pregnancies can only be tested on the three trisomies. A different number of sex chromosomes (as in Turner syndrome) can then be found with the Harmony test.
Critics of non-invasive prenatal testing such as the Harmony test fear that this simple blood test will reduce the number of abortions could increase (if positive test result).
Harmony Test: Duration & Cost
The executing laboratory informs the attending physician of the result of the Harmony test on average after three working days With. He will then discuss the result with the pregnant woman.
The cost of the Harmony test depends on how many chromosomal abnormalities the child’s DNA is to be analyzed. You can stand up a few hundred euros amount. In addition there are the costs for the medical services (consultation, blood collection, education).
As a rule, pregnant women have to bear all costs themselves – the Harmony test is offered as Individual Health Benefit (IGeL). In some cases, however, a reimbursement by the health insurance companies is possible. Pregnant women should discuss this option with their health insurance before taking the Harmony test let carry out.