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Anyone had/having both NHS and private nuchal scan?

7 replies

whenskiesareblue · 09/05/2014 13:24

I'm 11 weeks and my NHS nuchal is booked for 10 days time. Unfortunately last week we were told that I had been carrying twins but one died at 8 + 4.

Because of the lost twin, my hospital will probably not be able to offer me the combined nuchal test, since the blood results may be compromised/skewed by raised hormones due to the fact it was a twin pregnancy. NHS guidance backs this up. So risk will be calculated on nuchal measurement alone which is less accurate.

However, the Fetal Medicine Centre (where the list twin was discovered) will offer me the combined test, and assure me this is ok.

So, could I have the nuchal at FMC and still go to my NHS one the following week?

Thank you

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gunwalloe · 09/05/2014 14:53

I had my nuchal at the FMC so tried to cancel my NHS one but they wanted there own dates to go by so I had a NHS dating scan.

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EssexGirlLottie · 09/05/2014 15:57

Hi. Interesting that the FMC will offer you a combined test but the NHS not. I presume the FMC aren't doing a harmony test on you instead? (Tests baby's chromosomes directly rather than looking at hormonal markers). Although not sure if that too would be affected by the twin (sad to hear about that part of your story).

I had a nuchal fold scan at the FMC as it was part of a harmony test, and then had the NHS one. The NHS didn't seem particularly interested or fussed that I'd already had one privately. It was nice to have so many pictures!

Good luck

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gunwalloe · 09/05/2014 17:35

Essexgirl out of curiosity did you get the same risk score from the NHS and FMC

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whenskiesareblue · 09/05/2014 18:36

Thanks for replies.
essexgirl the FMC said that Harmony is out of the question now as the deceased twin's DNA could affect the result. I actually spoke to the FMC again today as so confused! Apparently I need 3 clear weeks between loss of the twin and the nuchal blood test, then it should be ok. They've advised I go on a Wednesday so I can talk to Prof Nicolaides so I'm going next Wed and seeing the man himself.

My NHS blood was taken earlier this week - they take blood at my hospital a while before the scan - so j guess that blood definitely can't be factored into their scan.

I spoke to ARC who are great. I think my hospital is following protocol but the FMC I guess can check more more things and better evaluate the results...

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cheesecakemom · 10/05/2014 07:24

Same thing happened to me and although the Nhs wanted to do one, the other foetus was still in there when they scanned - still about 25 weeks- ish
They eventually did a test but came back as inconclusive - caused me more worry than needed. I didn't know you could do a different test so I just left it alone and DD is fine and healthy.

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mrsmonkey14 · 10/05/2014 17:19

I am sorry to hear your loss, that must be very difficult. I also had both NHS and FMC scans (after FMC nuchal we did harmony test at FMC but I see that's not an option for you). For what it's worth my view is the FMC test results will be far more accurate than NHS. You will be in good hands with Prof Nicolaides. I've just had my 32 wk scan with him at FMC. Not sure which NHS hospital you're at, but if it's kings they have the same equipment as FMC. Good luck xx

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whenskiesareblue · 10/05/2014 18:28

Thanks for replies, it's so nice to hear people's experiences.

Cheesecake - I'm sorry it happened to you too. So difficult to get my head round everything at the moment.

Mrsmonkey - good to hear more positive feedback about FMC. I trust them to be able to explain the results to me, so that even if the blood results are suspect, I think they will be able to offer good advice on the significance of that iyswim. Did they run v late when you went??