How much does a private nuchal fold scan cost?

[Caz10]

title says it all really! We don't get one on the NHS in our area, and I think I would like to get one done, so it would have to be private. Would anyone who's done this mind telling me how much they paid? And if they felt it was a good thing to do? Thank you!

Caz10 and Jbck. Nuffield number is 0141 576 2772 and they were great about getting an appointment. Was offered a number of times and they were very understanding about not being able to make some etc etc and so we did get the appointment we wanted. There are three consultants and when you check over their CV type bits on the www.fetalimaging.co.uk web site they all look pretty impressive. We're seeeing Dr Phillip Owen. Jbck - I would give them a call asap as I think they can do it up to 13+4 (but don;t quote me!)

Caz10 - sorry I forgot you were up here too - I will def keep you informed how we get on. As for reasons why - I don't think you are paranoid - if it helps put your mind at ease then it's a good thing. At 35 I'm not exactly high risk but we thought as we have one DD already just to check etc as it''s not jsut our lives which would be affected if we did have a child with DS. My sister did the same with both hers a few years ago. How far along are you now? Can't remember from Dec thread!!

Let me know how you both get on - we shold have a meet in town up later on when all this 1st Trimester worry etc had gone away?

Speak soon

Beanstermummy , I posted later to say I've an appt next week it's also Dr Owen, he's a consultant at PR, as is at least one of the other Drs that does the procedure at the Nuffield. Ironically were we booked into the Queen Mother it'd be routinely offered. Caz10 you can't demand an amnio here, you have to be in the high risk group which means your risk is 1 in 250 or under. I'll let you both know how I get on.

NF with bloods is considered more accurate than triple test see below -

The results of a triple test can take from 3 to 4 working days up to a week or so (ask your caregiver). The test is about 70% accurate. This means that around 30% of affected babies will be missed. It is also possible to have a 'false positive result', this means the triple test result is 'high', yet the baby is actually healthy and normal. About 5% (1:20) having a triple test will have a 'high result, but for every 60 babies with a 'high' result, only 1 baby will have Down syndrome, the other 59 babies will be normal and healthy.

When a woman is offered a nuchal translucency, she will also be offered a blood test. A nuchal translucency alone is about 75% accurate, but if it is combined with the blood test the accuracy can be increased up to 85%

I think the accuracy of the NF test can be even more accurate if other markers are considered such as the presence of a nasal bone - depends on the centre you visit as to if these other markers are checked. HTH

Thanks again everyone for your advice. I think another thing that is swaying me towards the nuchal test is the timing - 16 weeks seems really late to wait. At my booking in appointment my midwife said she didn't think there was any point in me getting the nuchal done because of the cost and my age (31). I know the cost is my own business (been saving like crazy but it will still be tight), but do you think she will be p1ssed off if I go back at my 16 week check and say oh by the way I went to the Nuffield when I was 13 weeks?

Am I right in thinking that while the nuchal is only for downs, the triple test looks for other things too?

Thanks!

Yes, the triple test looks at the possibilility Spina Bifida as well. Certainly have the 16 week tests as well but be prepared for a different risk result to your NF (I was told this was the only problem when I considered doing both).

If you are worried about your midwife then don't tell her you have had/are going for the NF.

In my first pregnancy I had a bad blood result and wanted a CVS but my midwife convinced me not to because of my age (I was 32) and said I was being ridiculous. I worried myself sick for the next 6 months !

This time round I had a private CVS at the IFM and didn't tell her what I was doing. I feel so much better this pregnancy and wish I'd taken no notice of her first time round.

Chances are, at your age it will all be fine but it is your money and your baby and so do whatever makes you happy.

Caz10 I'd say whatever gives you peace of mind is the best thing to do, CUBS isn't a definitive answer & I may well still go for an amnio but it should all be your own decision & no-one else should try to influence you.
You can ask that they let your hospital have a copy of the results or your GP or just yourself afaik.
BTW if I had a m/w who was peed off at something I'd done to assist me in my pg, unless it was hazardous to the baby I'd be changing mw. It's their job to help you & no matter how many other patients they have or how many pgs they've assisted to you (& quite rightly so) you are the most important patient and if it's your first it's all brand new & scary so she should be doing her best to help you.