nuchal trans test

Can someone give me more info on this test?

This was not around when I had DS- the only test I was offered was the AFP- which I declined because of the high false positive rate.

My Dr, however said that this test is more accurate...

Anyone do this?

I think Im going to do it, just because it gives me an extra sono

Re: nuchal trans test

The nuchal translucency test is another screening test just like the AFP that screens primarily for Downs. At 12 weeks they do an ultrasound and measure a part of the neck of the baby. This test, just like the AFP also has a high false positive rate.

Usually both tests are done together and the numbers from both are used to determine your chances of downs etc.

We didn't do either one.

If you do a google search or check a pregnancy book you can get a little more info on it!

Re: nuchal trans test

I didn't know that the test was optional... But, the sono is more in depth that anything you will probably have up to that point in your pregnancy. They look for markers of Downs, i.e. width of the baby's neck, etc. It is also a blood test.

This can stand alone, or be used along with the AFP, to determine your risk for Downs.

I believe both tests are just screenings, therefore your results, are based on other's results. Which I believe is why the result #'s are the way they are, i.e. 1 in 1000, etc.

Re: nuchal trans test

Re: nuchal trans test

As the other girls said, the nuchal translucency is an ultrasound coupled with blood test to determine potential risk for downs and trisomy. It is done between 11w and 13w6d and is usually followed by the AFP. You get a ratio of potential risk after the U/S and blood results are in. This ratio is then often reworked when combined when the AFP results - my doc explains it as the combination of the two giving a few more percentage points of accuracy when it comes to risk. When your ratio risk is considered "high" (depends on age and other factors, etc) the doc might recommend additional more invasive testing if you and DH wanted a clearer picture of what might be going on (ie amnio or CVS).

It is not mandatory - I was considered "low" risk for any issues, but still opted to do it for peace of mind. Although there is risk of false positives, if your ratio is very good it can put your mind at ease.

HTH!

Re: nuchal trans test

I did it with both pregnancies.
It measures the nose bone, fold at the back of the neck and they do blood work.

Re: nuchal trans test

This is straight from the pamphlet the doctor gave me....

the test is offered and optional between 11-14 weeks of pregnancy. It checks for 2 genetic problems 1 down syndrome and 2 trisomy 18, it could also help to find if a baby is at risk for certain heart problems.

How the screen is done:
to start you will meet with a genetic counselor to answer questions about the test. If you decide to take the test a sample of blood is taken and an ultrasound is done. The results of these 2 tests are combined with your age to see if you are at a higher risk for having a baby with Down or trisomy 18.

The ultrasound measures the baby to make sure that the pregnancy is between 11-14 wks. Fluid found at the back of the baby's neck is also measured. This is called Nuchal transluency.

The blood test measures proteins in the mother's blood which are made by the growing pregnancy. If levels of these proteins are different than the average pregnancy, it can mean an increased risk.

How accurate is it:
identifies 85% of pregnancies with Downs and over 90% of pregnancies with trisomy 18. Since it is a screening test, it does not give final answers. It will let you know if you are more likley to have a baby with one of these problems. The only way to know for sure if you baby is affected is to do a test such as a CVS or amniocentesis that will diagnose the problem.

CVS and amniocentesis are only necessary if you get a positive test result. But remember that with CVS and amnio both of these tests have a risk of pregnancy complications or miscarriage. The risk is about 1 in 200 pregnancies.

Most insurance companies cover this test but check to make sure before scheduling.

Will I be offered other screening test in my pregnancy:
If you choose to have the FIRST(NT) done you will be offered another screen test around 18 weeks to see if your baby is at increased risk for spina bifida or another type of neural tube defect. Beural tube defects result in an opening in the baby's spine or skull. This testing is sometimes done on a sample of blood. The test is called AFP, or alpha-fetoprotein. This also can be done by a targeted ultrasound.

Ok so what I have written is like I said straight from the pamphlet the doctor gave me to read. If you have any questions regarding what I have written please FM me and I will answer you back. It was real informative and I thought you would like to know to.

I have already done this test with DS and will also do it with this pg.