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I just wanted to share my experience with the AFP and Quad Test. We had opted to get the Nuchal Test done in week 13 of my pregnancy. The results from that test were 1: 2000 (chance of Down Syndrom). Usually once you do the Nuchal, no further genetic testing (besides the AFP) is necessary, unless you fall into a high risk category due to family history or age. I'm 34 yrs old, pregnant with my first baby boy. I'll still be 34 when my baby is born (Oct. 6, 2008). When we went for our routine check-up (week 18), I've opted to do the AFP test. The nurse however misread the chart and sent away for the AFP and the Quad test. 4 days later I received a call from my doctor, stating that they needed to talk to me about one of my tests. After an hour I finally got a hold of my physician and they advised that the test for Down Syndrome came back 1:150, but the AFP was ok. The doctor apologized for the mishap and since this result has been reported, there is no way to do an integrated test, but it would be necessary to follow up with a Level II ultrasound. We still went to our 20. week sonogram and our baby looked healthy. 13 oz heavy and sucking on his thumb. The sonographer said that there is no need to be concerned and all looks good. My husband and I met with a genetic counselor 3 weeks after the AFP/Quad test and they asked about family history, etc. The counselor offered to do the integrated test and yesterday we received the results: Down Syndrome 1:1,000, Trisomy 18 1: 10,000, AFP 1:6,000. Overall the baby is healthy. After 3 1/2 weeks of worrying, this has been the best news to us. I'll still go ahead and do the Level II, because it will cut the chance for Down Syndrome by another 50%, if no soft markers are found plus it's another picture for our Belly Book :-) I read so much about how inaccurate the Quad test is and purposely did not want to take it, but because of the mistake of one of the nurses I spent weeks worrying, wrecking my nerves and putting unecessary stress on my baby. In the U.K. they won't even do the Triple/Quad test after week 16, because the results have been wrong 80% of the time. I hope this will give you a better outlook should you have a low Down Syndrome result or if you are wondering about whether or not to take the second trimester genetic test. My advise: Don't, the Nuchal Test is the more accurate and usually detects Down Syndrom 80% of the time. I'll post the results of my Level II screening next week. Our appointment is on Monday, June 9th.
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Wow! So sorry you had to go through this. I can't believe that these tests can cause so much false alarm. Why the doctors keep insisting on them, I just don't understand? So glad to hear all is well with your baby. Thanks for sharing your story.
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How frustrating for you! I also opted out of the quad screening, for the same reasons. I had to have the level II u/s done, though, because they found a soft marker on my 18 week u/s. The 2nd u/s was great! Even though they scanned me for an hour and a half, they looked over every square centimeter of him, and were able to give me a lot more peace of mind, as well! It seems like all of this new technology is just a bit ahead of itself. Lots and lots of unnecessary worrying! Good luck to you and your baby!
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