Hi all. Does anyone knows what's the diff btw oscar and harmony tests? What are they for? And the cost?? TIA!
OSCAR test is quite a comprehensive test also known more popularly as a test for down syndrome. However, it tests more than that. It will test out 2 other chromosomal anomaly (down syndrome is a chromosomal anomaly called Trisomy 21). Besides this, OSCAR test will also help to test if there are any abnormal growths in your uterus that will impede the baby's normal growth. It also test for one other growth problem but I forgot. The total cost of OSCAR test which includes 1 blood test and one scan is roughly about $500 for Raffles Hospital. Probably differs from place to place. OSCAR test can have a 90+% accuracy in testing for Down Syndrome. Usually, if your result comes out to be low risk, no other tests will be required. If the risk is moderate or high, further testing would be required. One of the method of further testing is by drawing some of the amniotic fluid (AKA the fluid in the water bag). This method also has its own risk which is that it has a low risk of causing a miscarriage.
As such, recently they have made a much safer test which doesnt require any amniotic fluid to be draw. One of these tests is called the Harmony test. Harmony test will be able to determine up to 98% accuracy if the baby has got down syndrome or the 2 other chromosomal anomaly problem. Harmony test is more expensive than the OSCAR test and at Raffles Hospital, it is estimated to be $900. Some of you may ask if you can go straight into doing the Harmony test and the answer is yes. However, I think it would be more cost effective for you (if you are say 35 years and below), to do the OSCAR test first since you are considered a low risk pregnancy and OSCAR test is not only cheaper but also able to detect more problems if any. Should you be above 35 years old or have had family history of any chromosomal anomaly, you may want to just go straight to the Harmony testing to safe some cost from having to do both OSCAR and Harmony. Of course, if money is not an issue, you can just go ahead with OSCAR test first followed by Harmony test.
Important note: There is a time period for the OSCAR test and if I am not wrong it is between week 9 and week 14 of pregnancy. If you would like to carry out any of the above tests, I recommend that you let your gynae know as soon as possible so that he/she will be able to advise you on your next steps.