Ariosa Diagnostics Announces Nationwide Launch of Molecular Diagnostics Harmony Prenatal Test

7 May 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

Ariosa Diagnostics, a molecular diagnostics company, announced yesterday that the Harmony™ Prenatal Test will be available in the United States and Canada through Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) and Integrated Genetics, a member of LabCorp's Specialty Testing Group. The Harmony test is an innovative non-invasive test for detection of common fetal trisomies utilizing a directed approach to analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal blood.

The Harmony Prenatal Test detects common fetal trisomies such as Trisomy 21 (associated with Down syndrome). The test is performed using a simple maternal blood draw taken at a doctor’s office or patient service center, and provides the safety of screening tests with accuracy approaching that of invasive testing for common fetal trisomies. The test is available to pregnant women of at least 10 weeks gestational age with a single fetus conceived without the use of an egg donor.

“Ariosa Diagnostics is very excited to announce the official launch of the Harmony Prenatal Test and the agreement with LabCorp, which helps us deliver on the promise of bringing an affordable and accessible prenatal testing option to pregnant women and their physicians,” said Ken Song, MD, chief executive officer at Ariosa Diagnostics. “With enhanced test performance and simplicity, the Harmony Prenatal Test can be reliably incorporated into the management of pregnancies.”

The Harmony Prenatal Test will be offered through LabCorp and will be available at its 1,000+ patient service centers. The simple test equips pregnant women and their healthcare providers with reliable information to make decisions regarding their health, without creating unnecessary stress or anxiety.

“The Harmony Prenatal Test is an affordable, high-quality test that provides a new choice for women,” said Dr. Song. “Together with LabCorp, we are committed to ensuring that the latest advances in prenatal testing are accessible to all healthcare providers and women.”

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Tags

Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Embryology / IVFEmbryology refers to the development of an embryo resulting from the fertilization of the ovum, to fetus stage. In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to the fertilization of the egg outside of the human body, and is an important treatment for infertility.Trisomy 21Downs Syndrome