can someone talk me through the antenatal tests I can expect ...

[happysnappy]

I am having an early scan in a couple of weeks (Will be just over 7 weeks) but know that the NHS here don't offer Nuchal Fold testing so I have been investigating having the tests privately.

Will I get a screening test and blood tests from the NHS first and then be able to get a Nuchal test privately or is there no popint in doing both?

At 39 how much would my age be a factor when they do the tests?

At the Nuchal test I know they will look at the fluid at the back of the baby's neck and take blood, but they also factor in the age don't they? So if I was actually 24 with good blood and screening results that be more likely to be a 'better' result than being 39?

Sorry if this isn't making sense, finding it hard to put down what I am thinking!

Anyway - after that if I am not considered 'screen negative' I am likely to be offered an Amnio? Can anyone tell me how accurate that is because I am not sure (Depending on the other results) that I want to have one unless it really is necessary.

Does anyone have any experience of the NHS in Cardiff, I have read that some women over 35 are offered the Amnio straight away but obviously I would rather have the other tests first if possible.

Sorry if these are stupid questions.

Hi HS,
beautiful day so not many people around to reply .
You need to ask your MW what tests you get offered for free in your area. I will try to answer your other questions:

The best screening test is an integrated test which is both bloods and nuchal fold; you may be able to get this via NHS if you pay (would have cost me £150).

Yes, age is a factor in how good a nuchal fold result is; being 24 with measurement X is better than being 39 with measurement X.

Do you want amnio privately or via NHS? I ask because if you get nuchal fold test privately they may not be same people who can offer amnio.

Anyway, it's not called 'negative' result, but rather 'high risk'. There's a black/white cut off typically used in the categories, so 1/100 might be called high risk, and 1/101 might be labeled "low risk". The exact numbers vary a little by where you live. If you consider amnio, ask the consultant who would be doing it what is their personal miscarriage rate following amnio.

Amnio is extremely accurate, they process the sample in two different ways (a sample is always analysed both ways). One method gives you fast (2-3 days) but not quite 100% certain results, and the other technique takes longer (2-3 wks) but is virtually 100% certain. Some tiny percentage (maybe 1/400?) tests come back inconclusive, usually because they didn't get enough fluid during the procedure. Also, amnio can only tell you about chromosone problems and perhaps one or two other things you specifically ask them to test for, like cystic fibrosis. There are lots and lots of problems amnio won't detect.