Understanding the Harmony® Prenatal Test

The Harmony® Prenatal Test is a form of Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) that analyses cell-free fetal DNA present in the mother’s blood during pregnancy. This DNA originates from the placenta and reflects the baby’s genetic material.

Unlike invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling, the Harmony® Prenatal Test requires only a blood sample from the mother and poses no risk to the pregnancy. It is designed as a screening test, meaning it estimates the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions rather than providing a definitive diagnosis.

The test focuses on common aneuploidies, which are conditions caused by an abnormal number of chromosomes.

What conditions does the Harmony® Prenatal Test screen for?

The Harmony® Prenatal Test provides risk assessment for:

• Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome)
• Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome)

In some cases, additional options may include sex chromosome analysis or fetal sex determination, depending on clinical indication and gestational age.

When the Harmony® Prenatal Test is recommended

This test is recommended for pregnant individuals who want a high-accuracy screening option for common chromosomal conditions, particularly when reassurance or additional information is desired beyond standard screening.

It may be especially useful if:

• You want non-invasive prenatal screening
• You have had a higher-risk result on first-trimester screening
• You are aged 35 or over
• There is a family history of chromosomal conditions
• You want early reassurance without invasive testing
• Ultrasound findings require further assessment
• You prefer a blood-based screening option

The Harmony® Prenatal Test can usually be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy onwards.

Benefits of the Harmony® Prenatal Test

1. Non-invasive and pregnancy-safe
   Requires only a maternal blood sample.
2. High screening accuracy
   More accurate than traditional first-trimester screening.
3. Early testing from 10 weeks
   Provides early reassurance or guidance.
4. No risk to the fetus
   Unlike invasive diagnostic procedures.
5. Clear, easy-to-understand results
   Reported as low-risk or high-risk.
6. Reduces unnecessary invasive testing
   Helps identify who may benefit from diagnostic follow-up.
7. Suitable for singleton pregnancies
   Widely used in routine prenatal care.
8. Supports informed pregnancy decisions
   Provides reliable information early in pregnancy.

How the Harmony® Prenatal Test is carried out

We offer two UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Attend your chosen clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is sent for specialised genetic analysis
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel
• Blood is collected at a convenient time
• No need to attend a clinic
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options use the same laboratory analysis and quality standards.

Understanding your Harmony® Prenatal Test results

Low-risk result

A low-risk result means the likelihood of the screened chromosomal conditions is very low.

Typical reporting:

• Low risk

This result usually requires no further testing unless advised clinically.

High-risk result

A high-risk result means there is an increased likelihood of a specific chromosomal condition.

Typical reporting:

• High risk

This does not confirm a diagnosis. Diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis may be recommended for confirmation.

No-call or inconclusive result

In some cases, the test may not produce a result due to insufficient fetal DNA.

Typical reporting:

• No result / Inconclusive

Repeat testing or alternative assessment may be advised.