Anyone had the downs syndrome test in pregnancy?

Question

I had blood taken last week for downs syndrome testing for my unborn baby. What does the test look for in your blood and what do the results indicate? (Are the results accurate?)

Answer 1

I had the test a little over 3 weeks ago. It is the alphafetaprotein (sp?) marker. From what I understand they take the vial of your blood and spin it on a machine where the blood separates somehow. The test looks for certain chromosonal and neurological disorders like downs syndrome and spina bifida.
The test just determines a risk factor. It does not determine if the fetus actually is afflicted. 80% of women who are tested and fall in the risk group have perfectly healthy babies. If you do fall in the risk group you would be offered an amnio to see farther if the fetus is afflicted. This carries a 1% chance of miscarriage and if completely optional.
Thankfully I did not fall in any risk group

Answer 2

The AFP test, sometimes called the MSAFP or maternal serum AFP, is where a blood sample is drawn from the mother to check the levels of AFP. AFP is a protein secreted by the fetal liver and excreted in the mother's blood. It is generally used for detecting neural tube defects, but it can also indicate: abdominal wall defects esophageal and duodenal atresia, some renal and urinary tract anomalies turner syndrome, some low birth weight fetuses, and placental complications. A low level of AFP could also indicate Down Syndrome.

The triple screen measures not only AFP, but hCG and estriol as well. This test is more accurate and screens for additional genetic problems, and is beginning to replace the standard AFP. most research finds that there are 80+% rate of positive tests while the baby is unaffected. The false positive rates depend on many factors, including appropriate gestational age, maternal age, weight and the presence of diabetes.
I failed this test with all three of my boys for some reason or another and had to have a level 2 ultra-sound done to eliminate any possibilities. my first two boys ended up being just fine. but my youngest son had some markers for down syndrome (thicker fungal fold and a congenital heart defect called av-canal) for him I opted to have an amnio to be sure, I wanted to be prepared in case he did indeed have down syndrome...two days of agonized waiting and the dr. called....my son did have down syndrome. I have to tell you I was very scared, but after reading up on down syndrome and becoming familiar with all the programs out there for children with disabilities....that fear lessoned considerably. today I have a remarkable 3 yr old who is the joy of my life and I wouldn't change a thing about him! I look at it this way...it is a roll of the dice on if you get to be the mom to a child with down syndrome...I was given a gift, I was the "1" in whatever number.

Answer 3

You will want to double check this, but this is what I remember. The test is normally a quad screen testing for four different conditions. There are three hormone levels checked. Based on their levels (either high or low depending on which homone) you are assigned a risk level for Downs. If the risk level is determined to be high, they will often suggest an amnio.

Answer 4

I had the test done-- Im not sure anything about it though- they said I 'passed' it -there was no signs of it--and they were right. I have a 9 week old healthy baby
sorry I couldnt help--I've wondered too.
I hope someone can answer, I'll be checking back.

Answer 5

The results are probably accurate.