Quad screen accuracy

maddisonwallace

So I know the majority of you did the quad screen testing a while back, but I just had mine done due to having to wait on insurance.

Doctor told me no news is good news and the only reason they would call me is if something was concerning.... I got a call today from my nurse. She said results came back as a 1 in 79 chance for downs and we have been referred to a genetic counselor but our appointment isn't for another week. From what I've seen, the quad screen produces a TON of false positives. I've seen people say the chances of having a false positive are anywhere from 5-50%. Can anyone shed some light on what a real number would be?
I am absolutely mentally and emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed. The results of the test do not affect my decision to keep the baby, but I would like to know how to be a better mother to someone with special needs if that became the case.

claireloSC

These are from the book "Expecting Better". Sorry for the poor scan quality. You're 21, right? Your chances of your baby having downs is so, so low. Try not to worry too much. Maybe you can do amnio if you want a final answer.

claireloSC

https://www.ndss.org/Resources/New-Expectant-Parents/Understanding-a-Diagnosis-of-Down-Syndrome/

ETA: Your chance of having a baby with Downs is only 1.27% to put it another way. 

ChrissyD1203

I am not a doctor and know nothing about this but isn't there a sweet spot for when you get this screen done? Perhaps if you don't have the testing done during that particular time period it would mess up the results? Just a thought/question for your doctor. Also, 1 in 79 sounds pretty low to me.

aphilli8

I think the quad screen is more accurate than the first tri screening. That's what my pamphlet said anyway. They usually combine both tests though along with ultrasounds for a complete picture. 1 in 79 is still pretty good odds. Hope you get a good outcome!

maddisonwallace

@claireloSC thank you so much for those resources. I've been a wreck today and needed to see that. Yes I am 21. I wasn't concerned until the quad came back abnormal and started to panic because I knew it was supposed to be in the thousands, so my brain equated that with SUPER high risk...
I'm sure I will feel better once I get to the counselor but just waiting without knowing is horrifying.