Quad test instead of Nuchal Transluceny

[laurenlhthompson]

Hello all :)

I've just come back from my 12 week scan and although the baby is lovely and healthy it didn't quite go to plan!

The baby wasn't in a good enough position and I have a slightly raised BMI and the technician couldn't quite get the measurement. She got very close but there was a slight break in the line.
Anyway because of my uncooperative baby I now have to have the quad test in the 2nd tri instead of the combined but I have no idea about the quad, how accurate it is etc

Has anyone else had this done? I don't think I'm high risk because I'm in my 20s and the NT did look very small but she wasn't allowed to measure it as it was.

Thanks! X

I can't help with your question, but you might want to get MNHQ to delete this thread/edit it without the photo as can see your name, dob, area etc...

I have had the same issue, they couldn't do the measurement at my scan so I have had to have the quad test, they took the blood sample yesterday and I'm told I will hear back quickly if there are elevated risk factors and if not then I will get a letter in the post.

I had to google it before having it as I wasn't sure what it was

Thanks for the reply Mel :)

They didn't seem bothered about me having it done but I'd rather know. I will have a look on google.

I had to have the Quad test as the trust sent my scan letter too late... [hmmm]

Regarding accuracy of the quad, it depends on how old you are but in general it is far less accurate than a nuchal translucency test/blood screening that they do at 12 weeks. For me, aged between 25 and 29 it was only 62% accurate but it increases with age, being much more accurate for those over 40. If I was you, I'd consider going for a private scan/test, which although not cheap will get you the NT measurements etc. Or you could try a Harmony test if you have £500 spare (expensive but very accurate - 99%). Or demand another scan if you can with the NHS before you get past the magic 14+1 stage.

Good luck whatever you choose to do!

Thanks for your reply MrsAnxiety.

The harmony was something we considered if the combined test came back high risk so it's something we might have to think about now.

I'm only 22 but I know things can go wrong in any pregnancy and I think it's best to know. The sonographer said she did get a good look at the fold and she wasn't concerned but if I really wanted I could have the quad done.

Got some thinking to do I suppose. Good luck with everything :) x

I was told that it was slightly less accurate (I'm 35) and tends to give a higher risk than when the nt is included, so could potentially lead to an unnecessary amnio. Mine came back as 1/10000 which was low risk thankfully (ds is only 16 months and with him it was 1/28000 with the nt measurement). My baby was uncooperative too, but the sonographer said that nt looked fine which was somewhat reassuring. I'd hand on in there and see what the quad test shows, Good luck.

Hi I've had the quad test in all 3 of my pregnancies, well in the first one NT wast available. We have found it to be as accurate and I am very overweight and 34 this time. My risk this time is 1:42000 although it took 6 weeks for the letter to come

Thank you zen :)

I was worried about accuracy but it's reassuring that it has worked for you.

I don't think the fold looks big on my scan pic but I am certainly not an expert!

NT still isn't available in my part of Wales (annoyingly the adjacent health board is already doing it and we're getting it here soon, but too late for me!) so am only getting the quad test. It is less accurate, I believe. But if you're not in a high risk group I wouldn't fret overly.

(I'm thinking of shelling out for Harmony if my quad test comes back high risk. Thought about getting NT done privately for £200-ish, but seemed to make more sense to save that money towards the truly accurate test if it seems like we need it!)

Ah I didn't realise the NT wasn't available all over the UK. That's a shame.

I think it's best to go for the harmony too. You wouldn't want to pay £200 for a NT and have an uncooperative baby like I did!

Also the harmony can tell you gender from 10 weeks can't it?

I had the Harmony and yes, it can tell you the gender. Im slightly concerned after reading recently how harmony got the sex wrong with some people though. Im hoping this isn't the case for myself.