all these tests???!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
all these tests???!!!
6
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 7:20am

I had my first OB appt last night and all looked great (YAY!). But we started going through the list of tests to be taken and those that were optional and I am very confused. I don't believe all these tests were even offered back when I had my other kids (and the oldest isn't even 4 yet!) and I am curious what tests the rest of you are taking.

OK, these are all screenings for Downs Syndrome. The first is an Ultrascreen where they draw blood at 12 1/2 weeks to check for free Beta hCG and PAPP-A and do an ultrasound measurement. they then use this data and combine it with a second AFP blood test at 16 wks. I have always had the AFP in the past. These tests still give false positive and false negative results.

Then there's something called a Quad Screen which also seems to be some sort of blood test taken later than 13 wks. And of course they also mention the amnio and CVS, which doesn't seem to be recommended unless you get a positive on the bloodwork.

Part of the problem is that I don't think insurance will cover all of this. And I'm entirely sure of the benefit. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2005
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 8:09am

I think they have drawn 1/2 my blood supply with each visit!

 

Lilypie 1st Birthday Ticker

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-26-2005
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 9:08am

Guess my dh and i didn't do any of them. We figured with the high risk of false-positive, false-negative, plus the fact that due to our history we wouldn't do an amnio to rule out any falses, that there really was no point to any of it.

It is a very hard, personal decision. I wish you the best in making it...I know it took us weeks to make our decisions! (((HUGS)))

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Lilypie Baby Ticker

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 12:36pm

Hi!

I had my first appointment with my new peri yesterday and as we were schedluing my next appointment he said there was the option of doing a new Quad Screen in conjunction with the u/s. He said insurance generally does not cover the quad screen but it will cover costs of u/s since they don't know otherwise. It will cost us $99 to get the quad screen test, our peri told us it usually costs $150 but they got it for the bargain-basement price of...

Anyway, I think DH and I will do the test. I will be getting it at right on 11 weeks, our peri didn't seem to concerened either way if we did or didn't do it?! So go figure!

Bannaua :-)
Angel Oscar Ellis 21w5d 3/05
EDD #2 6/24

7 WEEKS TODAY!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
Fri, 11-04-2005 - 3:32pm
I know exactly what you're going through! I have decided to turn down the screening tests because of the false positives and in my case false negative. To me there's no point in getting the screening. I spoke with my dr and we both agreed that with u/s we can monitor the baby better. I got one at 6 weeks I'm getting one at 14 and then the one at 19. Depending on what we see we'll go from there. Especially since I took the AFP and received that false negative I really don't feel like going through all that again. And it just starts getting so expensive with your ins company if they don't cover everything. I think it's a choice you and your doc should make together but I'm only getting the amnio if we really think I need it. HTH!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Sat, 11-05-2005 - 8:23am
That's something I can't find... how accurate the AFP is alone. That's the only test I've had in the past and I'm not sure I want to go to extreme measures this time either. When you say False-negative, you mean it said you were fine but ended up with a Downs baby? I get the terminology confused too, which certainly doesn't help!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-28-2004
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 9:42pm
My baby had a chromosome deletion (7q). I still got a negative on my test. I think they give you a grade and I was in the 90's. So 90 % chance that my baby was ok. But weeks later we find out about the problem during a routine u/s. I just wouldn't want to go through all that again. Plus like you mentioned with the insurance and everything I'd personally just want to go straight for the amnio if needed because it's pretty accurate. That's just my two cents! Good luck making your decision, I know it's a tough one.

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