Question regarding abnormal blood work?

Question

Have a question. I had that blood work done that identifies if you're a higher risk for Downs etc. Mine came back abnormal. Although my ultra sound measurements came back normal. Nurse said it could be due to my age, 35. Have you been through any of this? I appreciate any advice. What exactly are they looking for in your blood work? I go for genetic counseling tommorow and I'm scared.

Answer 1

OK, the test that you took has a 1 in 15 false positive. I am 35 also, and my OB and I spoke about this. Since there are so many false positives I declined this test because like you, I would have been really scared! If all of the ultrasounds look good I would not worry. More often then not, there are several "soft markers" visible on the ultrasound when the baby has down syndrome.
My best friend got a false positive on the same test with BOTH of her daughters. They both are very healthy!
On the test, they are reading the protiens that go back and forth between you and baby. It is nowhere near and exact science and they admit that it is not very accurate.
Try not to worry! Stay very positive! They should offer you another test (amnio). I'm sure all will be well!
Very Best Wishes!

Answer 2

The genetic counseling is not a big deal, I promise. I work for a perinatalogist. This is pretty common. Alot of times if you are over 35, these tests come back at an increased risk. If everything else looks good, thats a great sign. Good luck to you! There is also a larger number of false positives with these tests!

Answer 3

I had my test come back as 1 in 220 chance my child had downs. All of my other tests and measurements were normal. They took an amneo, where they take some of your amniotic fluid and test it to see if she did for sure or not. The test came out normal and she is a very healthy normal 9 year old now. Don't worry too much but get lots of information so you know what to do whatever the results are.

Good luck.

Answer 4

If you are talking about the AFP triple screen, that test is notorious for false results, because of that, I refuse to take the test because it's more stress having a bad test result than just going for the amnio or taking a chance at delivery. I honestly wouldn't worry too much about it. It's hardly worth caring about those results because they are wrong so often so go and listen to the genetic councelor..they are very nice and informative and they'll probably offer you an amnio especially since you are 35.....if you really feel it's important to know before the baby is born go for it, but if you think that it doesn't matter either way because you'll deal with it and there's no other signs of downs from your ultrasound then that's good too....but don't worry about this. Good luck XX

Answer 5

The higher risk is simply because you are 35. I'm surprised that your doctor didn't just offer you CVS in the first place because almost automatically, the majority of women 35 and over will come back as high risk. Perhaps that is what they will discuss tomorrow is CVS or amnio to confirm.

It all depends on what you will do with the results. If you would not abort even if baby is positive for Downs, there is no point in doing any invasive testing. I do know that the statistics indicate roughly 95% of women who test positive with Downs using either CVS or amniocentisis choose to end their pregnancy.

Answer 6

They do this to detect Down's and any other neural tube defect. It could be a simple thing as mild spina bifida that requires no treatment.

My cousin's blood work came out abnormal as well and as scared as she was there was nothing any of us could say to ease her fears. We prayed for the best and yet prepared for the worst.... her baby by the way is a very normal hyperactive little boy turning 3 years old in a couple weeks....Your baby feels your stress and it's not likely that you will or can, but try not to worry so much and enjoy your chance at assisting God in his gracious miracle.

Answer 7

if it makes you feel better alot of times and i mean alot of times the test come back abnormal but further test reveal that every thing is normal i am not saying there is nothing wrong so still go to the dr and do what ever she tells you .. what you probably had was a test called the triple screening they are looking for birth defects like mental retardation having a water head baby any abnormalty yourebaby can have but like i said alot of times the first test comes back wrong and is usually nothing to worry about ...and if youre baby does have a defect then god gave you one of his most special people which is an honor to care for .... the dr may try to get you to terminate the pregnancy that is usually what thet suggest with abnormal test results but tell that dr that you are gonna have youre baby regardless

Answer 8

I don't have a comment about the testing other than I hope you feel better with some of the responses here. But I did want to comment on your picture, it's great! I love it!