Is AFP, triple screen, and ultrascreen the same thing?

I know at my 12 week appointment I am getting my ultrascreen, which is a ultrasound that measures the baby's neck for down syndrome risk and a blood test.

Is this blood test at the ultrascreen the triple screen blood test?

I'm so confused.

Re: Is AFP, triple screen, and ultrascreen the same thing?

No, the AFP is different. It's up to your doctor to decide if you they want you to do the Quad/Triple Screen along with the AFP. AFP looks for Neural Tube Defects and I believe Spina Bifida. The Quad/Triple Screen portion is another screening for Downs.

The bloodtest for your ultrascreen is different. They don't actually draw blood, but take a sample from your finger, it's a finger prick test.

Message edited 8/28/2008 1:45:22 PM.

Re: Is AFP, triple screen, and ultrascreen the same thing?

Re: Is AFP, triple screen, and ultrascreen the same thing?

Yes, between 16 and 17 weeks it's given.

Re: Is AFP, triple screen, and ultrascreen the same thing?

Ultrascreen is around 12 weeks, it's an ultraound and BW for downs and trisomys. It is not the triple screen.

Then around 16 weeks, you have the AFP alone, or the Quadscreen (which includes the AFP test). It tests for downs, trisomys and the AFP portion tests for neural tube defects and also helps to show possible downs or not.

The triple screen is done around the same time as the quad screen and tests one less hormone than the quad screen. I am not fully sure about it as I just had the quad screen. Trust me, I was as confused as you were.

HTH

Message edited 8/28/2008 1:47:27 PM.