Ultrascreen vs. Amnio

Were you told that an ultrascreen is not accurate at all in term of chromosome anormalities? That's what the genetic counselor told us last night.

While I am not contesting her "expertise", I would like to know why so many women are doing it instead of an amniocentesis which is accurate.

Re: Ultrascreen vs. Amnio

Because their is no risk for miscarriage with the ultrascreen- it's a bloodtest done with a sonogram. And it's only a SCREENING- it gives you your chances of having a child with chromosomal abnormalities.

An amnio is an invasive procedure and has a small risk of causing miscarriage. BUT-it WILL detect any chromosomal abnormalities.

Many women are not willing that .5-1% chance they'll miscarriage if they have the amnio. Also, if you plan on continuing the pg even if you find out your child has chromosomal abnormalities- many feel that why take the risk?

Message edited 12/15/2006 11:43:16 AM.

Re: Ultrascreen vs. Amnio

the ultrascreen is only 85% in predicting. My office will not tell me the results until my level II. If they are combined it is 92% correct.


an amnio, I always assumed, was very close to 100%

Re: Ultrascreen vs. Amnio

I was told the chance of m/c with amnio was 1 in 200 and my chance of having a child with down's syndrome based on my age was 1 in 1,000 I think... so I took the better odds and decided to do the ultrascreen... after the ultrascreen my odds of having a child with down's went up to 1:3,000... if for some reason I felt unsure about the results I would go for the amnio...

Re: Ultrascreen vs. Amnio

Personally I would not have the Amnio without a lot of medical reason to do so. The risks are high IMO. But many women have them and everything is just fine.