AFP Tetra Blood Test

LoveDontCostAThing

hi,
my OB has everyone get the AFP tetra blood test (tests for probability of Down's syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects) and a blood test for cystic fibrosis.  He said it's optional, but when I asked him if he recommends it, he said yes.  Anyone else do this test?  I have read there can be false positives.  I think I'm going to do it, but I'm already such a worrier!  This is one more thing to worry about.  Thoughts or experiences are appreciated!

SaphireSweetie88

LoveDontCostAThing said:

hi,
my OB has everyone get the AFP tetra blood test (tests for probability of Down's syndrome, trisomy 18, and neural tube defects) and a blood test for cystic fibrosis.  He said it's optional, but when I asked him if he recommends it, he said yes.  Anyone else do this test?  I have read there can be false positives.  I think I'm going to do it, but I'm already such a worrier!  This is one more thing to worry about.  Thoughts or experiences are appreciated!

@LoveDontCostAThing

My husband and I had the tests done. We asked ourselves if we could handle not having the tests done and finding out the baby had any of those things at birth or if we would rather know in advance. 

We decided we would rather know in advance so we could start learning about whatever came back positive / high probability of the baby having something.

Fortunately for us, none of them came back positive / high risk of them.

sweetcrash

I just had the quad screen done about two weeks ago. I knew about the false positives but wasn't prepared for the phone call I got saying the baby is at an elevated (1:15) risk of trisomy 18. I'm also a worrier and I've spent two weeks worrying and wondering if the baby is okay. We are waiting for the test results from a follow up test they did called MaterniT 21. At this point, I'm not sure if I would recommend these screenings to others. It has really knocked the wind out of my sails.

harpseal135

Personally, I Did not have any of those tests with my LO.  We waited for the 20 week ultrasound, and there they saw 3 red flags.  We were sent to a specialist where they ran genetics screen, counciled us on what was going on, did a level 2 ultrasound, and after all baby was just fine. 

The bloodwork only gives odds, not really positives.  Someone who has a 1/25 chance may have a perfectly fine baby whereas someone with a low odd - still a chance for something to be wrong.  Personally, I think that the odds put people into panic mode or into oh everything is fine. Then there is that chance that ultrasound at the AS can show things much different.

LoveDontCostAThing

Thanks everyone for your input.  Ugh it sounds kind of controversial, like I thought  I will probably do it because my OB recommends it, but I am worried about it, and I don't like that there can be false positives.  How soon did you ladies get your results?  
@sweetcrash -I am also a worrier.  I am sorry that your results are causing you anxiety, and I truly hope that it is a false positive.  When will you get the follow-up results?  Is the quad screen the same as the AFP Tetra?

sweetcrash

It is different, but very similar. I think the difference is that the quad screen screens for 4 hormones and the AFP only does 3. The quad screen supposedly has fewer false positives than the AFP, according to the American Pregnancy Association website.

I am supposed to have the results by Wednesday.  I called today to see if they got them back early but they haven't. Good luck with whatever you decide. I know it's a tough decision. I'll let you know what happens when I get my results.

SaphireSweetie88

@LoveDontCostAThing

I don't remember exactly how long it took but I know I got the results that same week.

LoveDontCostAThing

@sweetcrash -ugh, of course the one I am getting has more false positives  Did you get your results?  Hoping for the best for you!

sweetcrash

I finally got my results. They were negative for trisomies 13, 18 and 21. I was so relieved I started crying. And they told me it's a boy. Good luck if you get yours done!

LoveDontCostAThing

@sweetcrash -omg that is so relieving!  I am so happy for you!  congrats on the healthy baby boy!  I got mine this morning, and now I am scared!  How soon did you get your results?

sweetcrash

For the quad screen, the results took exactly one week. For the MaterniT 21, it was a week and a half. I hope you get good results!

LoveDontCostAThing

@sweetcrash -thanks...ahhh I'm going crazy waiting!