about the combined test at first trimester

[Busybee0228]

Hi

I just received the antenatal screening report for fetal down's syndrome.

1 in 171, HCG 0.74, PAPPA mom 1.30, NT 1.7mm

It seems fortunately alright but I could not find the result of Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13) on this paper. I am living in Scotland and when I googled NHS site they mentioned "All pregnant women in England are offered a screening test for Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome and Patau's syndrome between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy.".
However I could not find on NHS Scotland about the combined test included of Edwards’ syndrome (Trisomy 18) and Patau’s syndrome (Trisomy 13). I hope I am not going to be told that Scotland yet does not offer this tests.
I am not a doctor so perhaps I do not understand how the test goes for those syndromes but I suppose the test is called combined test as it is supposed to be shown the result all together on this paper after first screening and blood test or?

I’ve not had the test done yet but at my booking in appointment they told me they didn’t test for Edwards’ syndrome and never mentioned the other one at all. (Also in Scotland).

I would speak to your midwife @Busybee0228 to explain the results and what they test for in the first place. Did you get a leaflet with the test results?
Generally, in England, you get a letter two ratios, e.g. 1:100000 for Down’s risk and 1:10000 for Edward’s & Patau’s (together).
It is ‘combined’ as it combines your blood results, your Nuchal fold measurement, baseline age risk etc.
Depending on your Trust (England again), anything higher than 1:150 - 1:250 is considered increased risk and a follow up is offered.
HTH

@AiryFairy1991 Yeah, unfortunately pregnant women in Scotland will be not offered those two tests. It seems that often nhs is considering to offer soon but what I have read was all about cost matter in their politic. I always love to be in Scotland no matter how many differences between my expectation and the social system offered by this beautiful country so far however getting disappointed recently.
Perhaps I did not have a kid or studied in Scotland so that brings me lack of understanding this society enough.
When I search some information on NHS I expected that they keep common standard of medical service in UK but always different between England and Scotland. Not just only different, feeling limited.
Thanks for your reply. My DH and me decided to go for private.

@Tini17 Thank you for your reply. Yeah that is what I expected to see then I found NHs scotland is not offering those 2 tests but only down's syndrome. And I have not received any leaflet .. just a green coloured paper written that only about the chance for down's syndrome.

I am bit confused your number rate to be considered as a high risk pregnancy.
In England if the rate is over 1:150, will you be considered a high risk pregnant woman?
I am 1:171. And the report apparently says that I have only rare chance for the down's syndrome therefore I will be not considered for further test...My age is 38, Edward syndrome (as far as I know) is caused by age of the mother absolutely than genetical defects. It must be a public test for over 35's pregnant women or put on the tests list as an optional choice (even if you are supposed to pay bit) at public test process I believe.

We have a private healthcare even though it looks not going to be covered unless I am recommended to go for more tests by a doctor. I am googling how could I get at least some parts covered by my insurance company which have been paying a lot monthly but never used....

What insurance company are you with? We have an HSF policy and it covered me for the Harmony rest as long as it was overseen by a consultant, which it was even though it was just one of these private companies you see. I wasn't referred for it or anything, just wanted the reassurance - I'm also in Scotland.

@mistermagpie Thanks for your reply!
Oh, it is great to know that somebody got the test in private and even covered by an insurance. We have Cigna Healthcare. I hope we also could get support from them.

The risk of Edwards, like Downs or any other chromosomal abnormality, increases with maternal age. But it is entirely possible for younger women to have babies with genetic problems also.