genetic tests in USA?

elixir · Feb 18th, 2010, 02:05 AM

hi, i know that in UK the triple screening test is offered for genetic testing. can anybody plz inform me what abt the USA?what is the routne test?is it just the alpha fetro proteins. or the triple test or what?and when shd we get it done?im talking blood work, not the scan. im kinda confused it wd help a lot.

PrayinForBaby · Feb 18th, 2010, 02:48 AM

hi! i dont know a whole lot about this, but i just had my afp tetra screen yesterday, which is supposed to be checking for downs syndrome, spina bifida, edwards syndrome and something else...your doctor should offer it to you sometime between like 15-21 weeks. you don't have to do it, which i hadn't wanted to, but DH thought it would be a good idea since I have a lot of health problems to begin with and at least this way we'd be prepared. sooo...just ask your doc!

LostTwins · Feb 18th, 2010, 07:55 AM

According to my MD - the triple screen can only be done with a combination of blood work and an ultrasound to take specific measurments of the baby.

We opted not to do the screening as I am naturally worried all the time and I know I would just obsess over every little detail of it, we have no family history of genetic conditions, I am 25 and we would not opt to terminate anyhow. We will go ahead with the standard 18 week scan (and any others they want to throw in to let us peek at our tadpole) and beyond that we go on the fact everything seems perfect!

Anyway - hope that helps.

MommyMichele · Feb 18th, 2010, 10:29 AM

You can get the scan and the blood work but there is also the amniocentesis. The amnio is more invasive and requires a very long needle through your abdominal wall into your uterus. It's not exactly comfortable, it has it's risks.

Seity · Feb 18th, 2010, 15:24 PM

I had the NT scan + bloods done at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. The bloods at 12 weeks along with the nuchal test at 12 weeks is the 'triple test'. The bloods at 16 weeks are the AFP test. Based on the results, I didn't bother with a CVS or Amnio, but those are also options in the USA, but are more invasive, so involve some risk.

Feb 18th, 2010, 02:05 AM	#1
elixir Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 237	genetic tests in USA? hi, i know that in UK the triple screening test is offered for genetic testing. can anybody plz inform me what abt the USA?what is the routne test?is it just the alpha fetro proteins. or the triple test or what?and when shd we get it done?im talking blood work, not the scan. im kinda confused it wd help a lot.

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Feb 18th, 2010, 02:48 AM	#2
PrayinForBaby Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: West Virginia, USA Posts: 4,343	hi! i dont know a whole lot about this, but i just had my afp tetra screen yesterday, which is supposed to be checking for downs syndrome, spina bifida, edwards syndrome and something else...your doctor should offer it to you sometime between like 15-21 weeks. you don't have to do it, which i hadn't wanted to, but DH thought it would be a good idea since I have a lot of health problems to begin with and at least this way we'd be prepared. sooo...just ask your doc!

Status: Offline

Feb 18th, 2010, 07:55 AM	#3
LostTwins Pregnant (Expecting) Active BnB Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 150	According to my MD - the triple screen can only be done with a combination of blood work and an ultrasound to take specific measurments of the baby. We opted not to do the screening as I am naturally worried all the time and I know I would just obsess over every little detail of it, we have no family history of genetic conditions, I am 25 and we would not opt to terminate anyhow. We will go ahead with the standard 18 week scan (and any others they want to throw in to let us peek at our tadpole) and beyond that we go on the fact everything seems perfect! Anyway - hope that helps.

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Feb 18th, 2010, 10:29 AM	#4
MommyMichele AutoSignup (SAAB) BnB Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,526	You can get the scan and the blood work but there is also the amniocentesis. The amnio is more invasive and requires a very long needle through your abdominal wall into your uterus. It's not exactly comfortable, it has it's risks.

Status: Offline

Feb 18th, 2010, 15:24 PM	#5
Seity Other BnB Elite Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 12,807	I had the NT scan + bloods done at 12 weeks and 16 weeks. The bloods at 12 weeks along with the nuchal test at 12 weeks is the 'triple test'. The bloods at 16 weeks are the AFP test. Based on the results, I didn't bother with a CVS or Amnio, but those are also options in the USA, but are more invasive, so involve some risk.

Status: Offline

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