Has anyone had a private scan after high risk shown for downs with blood test?

[IlanaK]

I missed the nuchal scan and integrated test by a few days (they put my dates forward at the scan so said it was too late). I had the quad blood test instead and they called today with the result - 1:95 chance of downs.

I think these blood tests are not that accurate and I am not that worried. But, I heard there is a private scan or something that I can do to see if things are really ok.

This is my third baby, I would not terminate and will not have the amnio or other test. But I would just like reassurance that there is nothing wrong.

Has anyone had or heard of this scan?

Your NHS should be able to do it- if they have the equipment and trained staff (or refer you somewhere). It's a more detailed version of the standard scan and looks for soft markers for DS. Perhaps ask your midwife- you really shouldn't have to pay.

I asked the midwife who called me and she said there was no other scan available to me on the NHS. She said I would have the 20 week anomoly scan, but that was not diagnostic of downs.

No, but they can look for other markers at the same time, Their staff may not have the training. Have a look at the fetal medicine centre to find out more- that should help you find out what the scan needs to look (heart, nasal bone I would think, maybe some other things).

The FMC should be able to do something for you. May be an idea to ring them and ask. Their cut off point for NT testing is 13 + 6 but not sure why and if they would be able to do the detailed scan for you.

The one I had looked at nuchal fold, nasal bone, tricuspid flow, some kind of duct in the umblicus (?), angle between the forehead and jaw bone, doppler flow in heart and umbilical cord and several other things too.

They are excellent there and could not recommend them more highly.

I am 15+2 today. I had the scan just before I was 14 weeks, but they put the dates forward which I why they wouldn't do the nuchal.

This is all at UCHL in London so I would have thought they were pretty good there. Perhaps I will call the fetal medicine centre and ask tehm though.

I think Yurt has a good point re having the expertise and training to do the detailed scans. At FMC you'll be seen by a fetal medicine doctor. My scan lasted just under an hour and my NHS one was about 10 minutes.

I had an awful experience at my hospital for my NT screening, hence why I went to the FMC.

Whilst the 20 week scan may not be diagnostic of DS/chromo problems it is a further screen as markers should be checked. I'm having my 20 week one at the FMC as I have no faith in my hospital to get it right.

They only other thing I can think of is try to have a scan or a referral to Kings/Harris birthright trust. With my DS I had my NHS scans there and they are fantastic - again done by fetal medicine doctors.

Hope you can get something sorted.

Second calling Kings Harris Birthright first. They're very helpful and if you can be seen there it will be free. You may be able to get a referral from your GP.