Quad test high risk for Down Syndrome

[JemJem2020]

Hi all,

Wanted to come on here to talk to anyone else who had similar experience. I’ve just got back my quad test results at 17 weeks and I have a 1 in 9 chance of having a baby with Down Syndrome. I feel really emotional as it wasn’t expected. They said due to my HCG levels being higher and my age (35) that I’m in the high risk. I’ve been in hospital
4 times with HG and on a load of sickness tablets would this effect my levels? Had the harmony test yesterday and just wanted to see if anyone had anything similar and what was the outcome? Thank you in advance! Xx

I have only ever had the harmony equivalent test. I've always declined the 12 week test because I was sure it would come back high risk due to age.

You've done the right thing in getting the other test. It is so much more accurate. I hope everything works out well for you.

Thank you for your reply.
I wish I would of gone with the harmony first of all. It’s so nerve wrecking, but we are prepared for anything and will love the baby regardless, but it’s a frightening situation to be in. X

I was given odds lower than that, but much, much higher than my first pregnancy, so I was worried. I also would have had my baby regardless, so I didn’t opt for amniocentesis as I didn’t want to take the risk of miscarriage, my baby did not have Down’s.
How were your other markers, such as nuchal fold ?
Such a stressful wait, I hope all is ok.

Unfortunately at the 12 week scan they couldn’t get the fold measurements and the baby was being naughty and moving lots, that’s why we had the quad test and just got the results. She said everything to her looked ok from bloods apart from my hormone levels. Were your results from your bloods or the measurements? Trying to stay positive xx

I got my Quad results back last Tuesday with a 1 in 24 chance. I am 38. I kind of expected to by higher risk due to my age, but not quite as high as I got! When I had my Son at 35, my risk was 1 in 2800 from a combined test, but this time the baby was not in a good position to get the NT. I paid £405 and had bloods taken for the Iona test last Wednesday and am now anxiously awaiting the results. I cannot stop thinking about it. This is my fourth child. My Eldest at 19 and 16 and my Son is 2 and a half. I have never had a high risk result before and my head is in bits. Looking at my bloods, all were outside of the limits they set, but not massively so. I had a private Gender scan on Friday, mostly so I could see babyand try and spot any soft markers myself, but all looked well and the Sonographer said she could see the nasal bone. It is such an awful, stressful time, not knowing is the worst! I am hoping the Iona results come back ASAP so at least we have a better, more accurate indication of risk. I have an Amnio booked in this coming Friday in case the result comes back as high risk. Keeping everything crossed!

My results were from combined measurements and bloods. Sorry for the delayed reply OP, I have only just seen your query.

Hi JemJem2020 I was just wondering what your result turned out to be as I am in exactly the same position and just awaiting harmony results now x

Hi Katiekyff

I had the Iona test and got all low risk results. Less than 1 in a million for Down Syndrome and Pataus, and less than 1 in 336,558 for Edwards. On that basis, we declined the amnio, and have had scans since which showed none of the markers consistent with any of the 3 main chromosonal Syndromes. It was a VERY stressful time. Not knowing was the worst bit. For us, we just needed to know to be able to accept any diagnosis and prepare ourselves. I would recommend the Iona if you can manage the cost. I had my results within a week.

I know your question was directed at the OP. But I just thought sharing my outcome may help Waiting is the worst!

Hi Jemmers! Thankyou very much for replying, for us the result won’t affect us continuing with the pregnancy we just want to be prepared as you said, so didn’t want an amniocentesis due to risk of miscarriage. we paid for the harmony test yesterday which I think is the same as Iona? And will get results in five days. Our chances from the quad test were put as 1 in 11 for DS. You are right though the not knowing is so hard. Your results are really reassuring I’m glad everything worked out well for you! Thankyou for responding x

I had a similar issue and was so worried but I talked to the charity ARC and they told me how rubbish the quad test is, it's not very accurate and often gives false high risk.
I had the harmony and all was well thankfully, and the doctor who did the harmony scan reiterated how the quad test shouldn't really be offered as it is not accurate enough.
I know it is hard but try not to worry, the likelihood is it will come back low risk.

Thankyou flapjackered that’s really good to hear and I’m so glad it all worked out ok for you. After reading a lot about the quad test I agree it shouldn’t be offered it seems to offer more worry than solution for most people I’ve read about.