A: You can complete all the required tests quickly on-site at clinique ovo and the fees will be reimbursed by most insurance companies. You can also complete your examinations in hospitals and at CLSC, and these will be covered by the RAMQ insurance card in Quebec.

A: harmony is a non-invasive prenatal test performed with a simple blood sample that can detect trisomy 13, 18 and 21, sex chromosome abnormalities and fetal sex.

harmony allows for a significant reduction of the need for invasive procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus biopsy, which can cause miscarriage in about 0.5 to 1% of cases.

In case of a positive harmony test result (high risk for trisomy), an invasive diagnostic technique will be suggested to confirm this result.

When: From 10 weeks

Time frame: 5 to 11 working days

Inclusions: Fetal sex + Sex chromosome anomalies

Advantage: Fetal DNA test approved by Health Canada

Detection rate for trisomy 21: over 99.9%

A: optimo is a screening test done during the first trimester of pregnancy, between 11 weeks + 4 days and 13 weeks + 6 days. It involves:

• A fetal ultrasound
• A maternal blood test

The ultrasound aims to verify if the fetus is growing and thriving and has no malformations. It also measures nuchal translucency.

The blood test screens for serum markers, which are substances present in the mother’s blood that are produced by the developing placenta.

These tests present no risks for the pregnancy carrier or the fetus.

A: Your participation in a research study is completely voluntary. You are free to refuse and withdraw your participation at any time. Your decision will have no consequence on the quality of care, treatment or your relationship with your treating physician at  clinique ovo.