Screening tests

[Fourpaws]

I posted this in the 34&under forum but I didn't have too many responses so I am posting here also. Maybe someone here can give me some insight...
Has anyone had the Down Syndrome blood test done and got a false positive? On Friday, I got a blood test done for Downs and yesterday it came back abnormal. My doctor seems to think it is a false positive? She thinks that because I am 30 yrs old with no family history of it and my husbands side is clear too, even though she can't guarantee it. I go in on Saturday for a special u/s and possibly an amnio. I am about 17 weeks now. I just can't seem to stop thinking about this. No matter what is wrong, I would never terminate my pregnancy. It took my hubby and I over a year to have a successful pregnancy, we have had 8 losses total. I just need some insight, I am even having dreams about it! I hope someone here can help me???

[pcarsey]

I really hope you get this post- As Tanker mentioned I had an AFP test done recently and it came back positive TWICE for spina bifida! I was devastated! I am 35, no family history! I had to have a level 2 ultrasound done yesterday at a Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic. They found NO spina bifida- so the routine is for them to also check for down's, nothing! They said everything looked great! When I spoke to the genetics counselor she said that my docotrs office did everything 100% correct in having me tested EXACTLY ONE WEEK AFTER.... NOT A DAY SOONER!  I would talk to your doctor, they shouldn't have done the test one Friday and then again on Tuesday, they should have waited until one week later! The GC said that many many doctors office mess up and do that all the time, often times confusing people on the results! Even the woman who did the ultrasound on me said that with her oldest son they did the test twice and both came back positive for down's and with her insurance you were only allowed having one ultrasound (they used it up by estimating the due date) so she couldn't even have that option and everything turned out to be fine with him!   But in all reality- even thought I was scared to death about having 2 tests come back positive, I'm so glad I had the level 2 ultrasound done because NOW I KNOW that my lil guy is just as healthy as can be!! I do not think you have anything to worry about and I wish you the best with the ultrasound, please keep us posted!!

Patty

[Tennesseegirl]

there are so many factors that throws the numbers off... weight,due date,if you were a smoker, race.. etc. I agree with Taharel dr. I dont think they should even do them.
When I went and got  the Amnio done they told me the risk were so out dated on mc that there will be some new numbers posted soon. I asked the person that worked on me... how many patients she had that had mc and she smiled and told me none, and she has had her share of them. it really helped me relax!
It really does help you enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. knowing for sure that the baby is fine  is worth its weight in Gold. with my age the risk were so high. I just had to do it after such a bad afp results.
Good luck

oh.. they also saw a spot on her heart durning the amnio, so even the us can be scary and misleading.

[Fourpaws]

No, I didn't do the nuchal scan??? Unless that is what I am getting this Saturday? Is that when they measure the fluid behind the neck?? I am not getting the amnio, but I will do the u/s, regardless.

[melimeli]

think about the amnio... if you wouldn't terminate maybe you shouln't do it.. there is a risk of m/c and with trying for so long it may not be something you want to risk.... some have just done a higher level u/s to check.... did you do the nuchal scan?

[tahariel]

I'm not sure why the doctors call it a "false positive". It does seem like a silly phrase. I guess it means that even though the test results have indicated there is a very high chance for something to be not quite right, because of the inaccuracies of the test calculations, the results are posted in a more negative outcome than reality. The AFP tests have a very high rate of inaccurate results and therefore cause quite a bit of unnecessary stress and worry.

[Fourpaws]

I am not sure I understand what your saying. My test came back abnormal. My doctor then said "I hope it is a false positive?"Really, whatever that means. The test to me, seems so inconclusive. From what I am hearing on these forums is that even if your test comes back normal, there is still a chance it's not normal! Crazy, huh? I don't know, I have decided to not let the abnormal test results get me down. I will find out 100% on Saturday. Wish me luck.

[stephie4]

I don't understand this 'false positive' phrase.

even if the blood work comes back as 1/10 chance of having downsyndrome, its not a 'positive' or 'negative' or absolute in any way.  its just a precentage.  
Is there something I'm missing, is there different blood tests that say a definite yes or no?

[Fourpaws]

Thank you for your information. Your experience with this is helping through this. I hate the waiting game! I won't know for sure until Saturday, feels like forever! I will keep everyone posted. Thank you again and I am happy everything worked out for you! Congrats.

[tahariel]

The AFP blood test has a very high rate of false results. My sister in law had a false positive and a perfectly healthy baby. My doctor won't do the AFP test anymore because of the inaccuracies. Good luck.

[Fourpaws]

Thank you ladies! You really helped me look at this situation clearly and without the tears! I just read pcarsey's post and it really inspired me. Even if my u/s on Saturday comes up bad, it doesn't matter. If the higher up didn;t think I could handle it, he wouldn't of given it to me, right? I just need to think positive and you ladies helped me, as usual! Thanks so much!!!!
P.S. My pup is cute huh?? but he is a challenge! He eats everything!!!! Socks are his fave! ugh

[Fourpaws]

Thank you ladies! You really helped me look at this situation clearly and without the tears! I just read pcarsey's post and it really inspired me. Even if my u/s on Saturday comes up bad, it doesn't matter. If the higher up didn;t think I could handle it, he wouldn't of given it to me, right? I just need to think positive and you ladies helped me, as usual! Thanks so much!!!!
P.S. My pup is cute huh?? but he is a challenge! He eats everything!!!! Socks are his fave! ugh

[Tanker Chic]

BTW, pcarsey just went through this same thing.  Everything on her u/s came back perfect.  Her post is just a couple down from this one.  

Cute doggy.  

[Tanker Chic]

There is some risk of m/c with amnio.  The blood tests do have a VERY high rate of false positives.  I know it is difficult not to obsess over, but I wouldn't put much stock in those results.  In the "what to expect" book, it says that out of every 50 tests that come back with high risk results, only one or two of the babies will actually have any kind of problems.  Good luck to you and take care.  

[montie]

You will probably have a level II ultrasound soon that will give you some relief.  They will check for Downs Markers.  I know that for me, I waited until that ultrasound to decide if I would get an amnio and when the US went fine and they said all looked great, I cancelled my amnio.

[Fourpaws]

P.S. isn't there a risk of m/c with an amnio?