Quad marker test

Hi everybody.
I'm hoping someone can shed some light in this for us. My wife had this test done and it came back positive, the doctor told us that this means that we are at a slightly higher risk for Downs and the such. He also said that this test has a high rate of false positives and that we should have an amnio done to be sure. My wife is beside herself and me tring to colsole her I think is making things worse. Has anybody been through this. Any advise is welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Steve

[skd7474]

Steve,
I just have one question for you, would you abort this baby if something was wrong with it? I really don't think so. I opted not to even have the test done. I figured if something was wrong with my baby, I didn't want to worry about it for 5 more months when at the end I would love it just the same. I would not worry about the test results. I would not have your wife go through the amnio test. It is risky.

[annie f.]

I have a friend who worked at Kaiser Hospital for a number of years.  She is now pregnant and opted not to have any of those tests done (inc. amnio) because she said that she had seen so many false positives happen during her years of hospital work.  She said that they basically do nothing but make people worry and that they should really not be trusted.  Anything with a high rate of false positives is troublesome in my perspective- it means that they really don't have the procedure down well enough for it to be a reliable means of deciding anything. Try not to worry too much about this- it is really mispent energy I think.  Good luck!

[timework]

Hi Steve,
The same thing happened to me last year and my son did not have Downs.  I would NOT do an amnio unless absolutely necessary.  There are severe risks in having that procedure done and it's just not worth it.  I wouldn't worry about this...especially since they said there was only a "slight "risk.  I will NEVER have any of those tests done again.  Way too stressful!!  Good Luck.

[cdw]

Hi. I would first have to ask...did they confirm gestation age via u/s prior to having AFP test? If no, then have that first to make sure the dates are correct.  If yes, then did you have a 2nd test run b/c false positives are high with this marker.  As also noted by some woman above.  Then the next option is having amnio should you and your wife choose.  As your aware,you run the risk of fetal loss (about 1-2%) with this test.  However, the loss is 100% to you should you loss the baby!! You must decide what you would do with the results and if nothing but continue with the pregnancy then there is no reason the pursue further.  Some people choose to just be "prepared" as best as one can be!! Again, the test may come back with high chances of downs and still have a healthy outcome.  Sorry you and your wife are faced with this situation at such a happy time in your lives...keep us posted.

[sidney1]

Thank you all for the sound advise. I will keep you posted.
Steve

[alwzcurous]

Steve,
I am currently in the same situation and completely stressed out like your wife so I can sympathize.  I am wondering if your doctor mentioned anything about confirming this through your next ultrasound?  My doctor was out of town and I received the results from another doctor and was not clear but believe he said I could possibly tell from the next ultrasound as opposed to having the amnio done.  I would like to know if you have found out anymore at this time and wish you the best of luck.
Melanie