How do I go about getting a quad test done?

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

And at how many weeks do they do it? and what is it exactly?

We were given a 1 in 5 risk of DS at 13 weeks but I don't want an amnio incase the worst happens and it MC.

[adriennemole]

Hello, Just wanted to ask how many weeks pregnant you are and was your 1 in 5 chance based on the nuchal screening?

The quad blood test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks and looks at 4 substances in the blood which can indicate a chromosomal abnormality such as down's.

The combined blood test is done earlier and looks at 2 substances, that and your nuchal scan result will give you a new overall risk factor is this the one you want to do?

I myself didn't want any invasive testing done until I'd had combined test when I was given a 1 in 17 chance based on the nuchal scan.

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

I'm 18 weeks now and was given the 1 in 5 at 13 weeks based on the combined test - my age, nuchal, beta HCG and PAPP-A levels in the blood.

Can you get it done on the NHS? The midwife says they don't do it at my hospital.

Did you have invasive testing if you don't mind me asking and what was the outcome?

[adriennemole]

I'm afraid I don't know much about having the quad after the combined test and not sure whether you would have to go privately to have further blood tests.

Have you been offered scans as you have declined the amnio? There have been a few ladies on here who have had further scans at about 16 and 20 weeks after a high risk result. Certainly at 18 weeks a consultant trained in this area would be able to look at other markers heart, kidneys etc.

I did have the amnio after my combined result came back 1 in 3. My baby boy did have down's and an AVSD (common in babies with down's) which was discovered at 19 weeks. We decided not to terminate and now have a happy, lively 2 year old who had corrective heart surgery at 4 months and is doing brilliantly.

Hopefully someone will be along soon who can advise you further, fingers crossed for you over the next few weeks whatever you decide.

[fifitot]

I could be wrong but think that the Quad test is actually less accurate than the nuchal screen. It may be worth thinking about having a detailed marker scan at about 18-20 weeks which may show some issues up or not hopefully.

I would ring ARC - antenatal testing advice service. They are brill and know everything about the different tests and give great information. Google it. Will try and post a link later when have more time.

Good luck.

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

Thank you both so much for replying. I have already spoken to the ARC when we first got the results and I could call them again. The only thing I remember them saying to me is that I need to find out whether or not we could cope if our baby did have DS.

AM - your reply is very uplifting - can I ask a strange question - could you tell from the moment that he was born that he had DS? I'm a bit worried about having a shock but that's because I don't really know what to expect.

We have 2 other DCs (3 and 2) and I'm a bit worried about coping with the small age gaps, working part-time and a DH who travels on and off. It won't change anything but I am a worrier!

[adriennemole]

Not strange at all, I remember being a bit obsessed about what he would look like when he was born and demanded to see his ears as soon as he popped out! . Actually he looked exactly like his older sister as a newborn and still does.
I also have 2 older DC's though with a larger gap and the hardest part has to be the extra work involved going from 1 to 3 apart from that life is pretty much the same. There has been a few extra challenges along the way (heart surgery being the hardest) and the extra appointments can be a pain but on the whole he is a pretty happy laid back child who just fits in and we just take each day is it comes.
I also contacted ARC both before and after diagnosis they were fantastic and I hope you manage to get the support you need.

[RememberToPlaywiththeKids]

oooh - why his ears?? Was it blatantly obvious that he had DS when he popped out or something that became apparent over a few hours / days?

I've had a look at his photo and I have to say, he does look very cute indeed! A little sweetie pie.

I went from feeling completely fine about it and that it was always meant to be that I had a baby with DS (very odd I know), to feeling a bit sad and heavy about it all. It's just my ignorance and worrying about the future. I don't even know what I can ask to better arm myself. Maybe it isn't even like that.

[pinkypanther]

Are you in London Remember? I had my nuchal/combined bloods on the NHS then had what they called the "integrated test" at Bart's - they took additional blood from me and then used my existing results, plus the results from their sample, to give a further risk factor. I paid privately for this further test and it was £75 IIRC.

Their website is www.wolfson.qmul.ac.uk/epm/screening/integrated.html

I second the suggestion to have a detailed scan, the Consultant did mine rather than the sonographer.

Hope that helps. Good luck x

[janski31]

Hi remember

I was advised not have quads done as I already had a combined test done but was only told this after I had the quads done!! It causes alot of confusion I think as the bloods alone aren't very accurate at only 60% I think.

I was given a high risk factor from my nuchal alone at my dating scan they measured it at 4.6 (1:14) where I live they don't do the combined test so my mum paid for me to have it done privately.

The private clinic gave me a 1:1128 risk based on my bloods and nuchal of 3.2.

I had my quads done at 16 wks with nhs and they gave me a 1:5 risk.

I haven't had any invasive tests done but had a scan at 16 weeks and then another at 20 weeks no abnormalities found, but obviously that doesn;t mean anything.

Your not alone in all this confusion hope this helps, by the way I am 27 weeks on sat and 32 years old first baby. x

[adriennemole]

Not sure why his ears! I wanted to have a good look as soon as he was born I guess to see for myself that he had DS. As it turned out the features weren't that obvious and although they have become more defined as he's become older I don't really see it anymore. Sounds a bit corny but as soon as I held him the DS didn't matter any more.

Although there is still a chance your baby does not have DS I would advise finding out as much as you can both from a medical and family point of view my hospital were fantastic and even put me in touch with other parents and local DS groups.
It is normal to have good and bad days especially as you are not 100% sure yet I think the key is to prepare and arm yourself with as much info as possible. Trying to relax and enjoy your pregnancy is easier said then done though! If you want to talk further I am happy to give you my email address take care