Nuchal scan with combined blood test question?

galvanizersbaby

Hello all

I was wondering if anyone could answer a question for me who has recently had the nuchal scan with combined blood test at an NHS hospital.

I have recieved an appointment through for this for 20th Dec at my local NHS hospital (will be approx 12 and 2 days by that time) and though I have had a nuchal scan previously with my 2nd child (private) I have never had the combined test.

The midwife has explained that if I fall in to the high risk category the screening co-ordinator will contact me by phone within 3 days but if not I will be sent a letter in the post with the results.

With the scan being 20th Dec I am thinking what with christmas I may not get the results for a while

I have enquired at my local private hospital and they can do the scan there (they will tell you the nuchal measurement on the spot) and then provide the bloods results 2 days after (christmas or not)

Does anyone who has had this scan at an NHS hospital know whether they will give me the nuchal measurement there and then? - obviously I realise this needs to be combined with the blood results to give the full risk ratio but the nuchal measurement would be of help to me.

I am 38 years old with my 3rd pregnancy and feeling rather anxious - I really would rather not be left worrying and wondering over Christmas if poss.

Thanks in advance x

mac2008

We could see the nuchal measurement on the screen, and they also attached a page with the info and a picture into our green maternity notes book. However, this figure alone really doesn't mean that much - could cause lots of unnecessary worry. Perhaps try to reduce your anxiety by remembering that the vast majority of babies do not have downs.

Sammy_Girl

I had this test done on the NHS. After your scan they give you a print out with all the measurements, including the nuchal fold, which goes in your white notes. But this measurement alone doesn't really tell you anything - its best done with the bloods.

After you have had the blood test, if it comes back as high risk then you will get a phone call. Otherwise they just send a letter in the post.

Tbh, I wouldn't go private to have it done as it will not change the outcome. The old adage is true - no news is good news.

But remember, if it does come back as high risk, it doesn't mean that Downs is present. You will then be given the option of having an amnio which will be conclusive.

I know it's hard not to worry - but please try not to

clairec79

Most will tell you the measurement (not the risk just on scan but the measurement itself)

You can always ring up on the 3rd or 4th day and ask the result if you don't want it hanging over you with Christmas

noxon

Our NHS experience was the same as mac2008's- they took the measurement and recorded it in my notes but did not discuss anything about it's interpretation.

I was lucky and my combined result came out as very low risk and so I got the letter about 10 days after the scan. My friend's results from her scan at the same NHS hospital a week earlier than mine were much higher risk and she was telephoned within three days.

I imagine that the labs will be working until 24th December.

galvanizersbaby

Sammy_Girl wrote: »

I had this test done on the NHS. After your scan they give you a print out with all the measurements, including the nuchal fold, which goes in your white notes. But this measurement alone doesn't really tell you anything - its best done with the bloods.

After you have had the blood test, if it comes back as high risk then you will get a phone call. Otherwise they just send a letter in the post.

Tbh, I wouldn't go private to have it done as it will not change the outcome. The old adage is true - no news is good news.

But remember, if it does come back as high risk, it doesn't mean that Downs is present. You will then be given the option of having an amnio which will be conclusive.

I know it's hard not to worry - but please try not to

Thanks for the info hun - I had the nuchal scan on it's own privately with my DD (7 years ago it wasn't available on the NHS) and with my son 9 years ago I had just the blood test.
To know the nuchal measurement was in the normal range would help me (I realise it's most accurate combined with the bloods) but it does give an indication on it's own so if they have no problem with giving the measurement then that's good.

I also realise that this is an indicative screening test not definative like an amnio or CVS.

I can afford to go private was just wondering if it would save the worry over christmas but now I think I will go with the NHS.

galvanizersbaby

clairec79 wrote: »

Most will tell you the measurement (not the risk just on scan but the measurement itself)

You can always ring up on the 3rd or 4th day and ask the result if you don't want it hanging over you with Christmas

That's a good point - thanks!

kingfisherblue

If the test shows a possible or likely result for Down's syndrome, will it ruin your Christmas? Would you be better waiting for the results until afterwards? Although the chances of having a child with DS is relatively low, you might want to consider how you would feel over the festive season if the results are not those that you would wish for.

Twelve years ago, my local hospital didn't have nuchal scanning. I didn't have blood tests, as I chose not to. At 32 weeks, due to problems with my pregnancy, I found that I had a high chance of having a child with DS. Three weeks later, my gorgeous son was born. Yes, he has Down's. He has several other conditions as well, most of which were not detectable with tests. It's hard at times, but I wouldn't swop my little fella for anything. I love him for who he is, not for who he might have been.

At then end of the day, I would think about which would give you a more relaxed Christmas.

Good luck with the results and the rest of your pregnancy.

Take care x

galvanizersbaby

kingfisherblue wrote: »

If the test shows a possible or likely result for Down's syndrome, will it ruin your Christmas? Would you be better waiting for the results until afterwards? Although the chances of having a child with DS is relatively low, you might want to consider how you would feel over the festive season if the results are not those that you would wish for.

Twelve years ago, my local hospital didn't have nuchal scanning. I didn't have blood tests, as I chose not to. At 32 weeks, due to problems with my pregnancy, I found that I had a high chance of having a child with DS. Three weeks later, my gorgeous son was born. Yes, he has Down's. He has several other conditions as well, most of which were not detectable with tests. It's hard at times, but I wouldn't swop my little fella for anything. I love him for who he is, not for who he might have been.

At then end of the day, I would think about which would give you a more relaxed Christmas.

Good luck with the results and the rest of your pregnancy.

Take care x

Hi
Thanks for your post - no I don't think a high risk result would ruin my christmas - I would rather have the result as soon as possible as opposed to just wondering and be the mercy of the Christmas post.
To be honest it is not just downs I am concerned with but other non life compatable conditions which markers may or may not be present on the scan.

Thanks for your good wishes x

baby_brain

hi,
when i had these done i was phoned the next evening and told i was high risk, they said they phone as soon as they have the results if you are high risk as the window period for the CVS test is quite small (upto 14 weeks) but they add a couple of extra days onto your edd if there is any uncertainty about the exact dates to ensure that you fall within their 'safe' timescale to do it. it also can take upto a week too get an appointment with a consultant that performs the test.
so going on my experience they will let you know even through the xmas period.

wendz86

I saw the measurement on the screen. They also said I would hear in a week if I was high risk and I didn't hear anything. Got a letter a while later saying i was low risk.