NT scan and blood test

[summerlump]

I'm due to have an NT scan on the 2nd January. I was going to have my blood test the same day, but the clinic said that I should have my blood work done before that.
Is anyone else having both scan/blood test on the same day? :wizard:

[fionas]

i had my blood's done at 8 weeks ans i'm having my nt scan tommorrow, but i don't think that matter's as long as you have your first blood's done early enough in your pg.

[ETsMum]

They told me that it makes the synographers (sp?) job easier if they have your bt results when they do the scan. If they don't have them you may have to wait for the results. Good luck. :thumbsup:

[OopsieDaisy]

I was told to get the bloods after the scan sometime before 13 weeks, that way they can review the scan results and the BT results together, it isn't the sonographers job to go over this.

[SammiJane]

I had bloods taken the day before my scan.

[Lil X-men]

My Doc told me to have the bloods done a week or no less than three days before the NT scan (must allow enough time for the results to come in perhaps).
So I will have them a week before the scan to be safe.
My scan is the 18th Jan so I will have bt on the 11th or 12th.

[TJ]

my bloods are on the Tuesday and scan is on the friday morning.
Apparently the scan cant be conclusive until the bloods are confirmed.

[YoungMumSteph]

This may be a silly question but what do they need ur blood for for the NT scan? Just curious. My first antental app isnt till Im 19weeks and my GP is an idiot so Ive had to sort myself out when it comes scans etc.

[mumma_jessy]

I had my bloods done at 10 weeks (19th Dec) , and my scan is next week (3rd Jan).

[TJ]

Found this..... hope it helps

THE NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY TEST
Doctors use the words nuchal translucency to describe a fluid-filled space at the back of a baby’s neck which can be seen by ultrasound early in pregnancy. “Nuchal” (pronounced “new-cal”) is a scientific word meaning “neck”. During an ultrasound, the depth of the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck can be measured.

The greater the depth of fluid, the greater the chance your baby has Down syndrome or, more rarely, another chromosome problem.

The nuchal translucency measurement, along with your age and stage of pregnancy is used to give a
“risk figure” or chance of certain problems for your baby.

THE SPECIAL BLOOD TEST
This test measures the level of two proteins [called PAPP-A* and free-ß (beta)hCG**] in the mother’s blood. This test result, when combined with the nuchal translucency result, tells you the chance of your baby having a chromosomal problem. This special blood test is not offered on its own at present, but only combined with the nuchal translucency screening test. You may choose to have the nuchal translucency screening test on its own, without the special blood test.

* PAPP-A: pregnancy associated plasma protein-A
** free-ß hCG: free-beta human chorionic gonadotropin

When should the screening tests be done?

The measurement of nuchal translucency using ultrasound is done between 11 and 13 weeks since the first day of your last period. Only staff with special training should do this measurement. If you are also having the special blood test, it is best done before the ultrasound but can also be done at the same time.

What will these tests tell me?

Both tests are screening tests - they don’t give a definite answer. The result you receive will be based on your age, your stage of pregnancy and the test measurements. It will apply to this pregnancy only.

If you have the nuchal translucency ultrasound screen without the blood test:
About 70-80% of babies with Down syndrome and occasionally other problems will be picked up as being at “increased risk” by this test. Therefore about 20-30% of affected babies will be missed.

• If you have both the nuchal translucency ultrasound and the blood test: It is thought that when both test results are put together, around 80-90% of babies with Down syndrome will be picked up as being at “increased risk”.

[jkate]

I had my blood test on the monday, then my scan on the Friday. The results were not in, and the scan place were not impressed. The sonographer said however that because my scan date was close to my LMP date that it didn't matter when the results came in, but if they were over a week difference I made have had to them again.

Youngmumsteph - I didn't have the blood test done with my first two, just a scan. I thought maybe this time it was due to me being older, or it could just be different doctor do things differently. All my tests and scans so far have been arrange through my local GP as I don't see the midwives till about 16 wks. So if your worry just go and have a chat to you local GP.

HTH's

[YoungMumSteph]

I didnt even have the NT scan done last time....I just chose not to...plus at 17 the risk level was really low. Im still only 20 now so statistic wise I wouldnt be at high risk but I may just have the scan done. Im not a fan of blood tests and Ive only ever had 2!!

[summerlump]

I had my blood test on the monday, then my scan on the Friday. The results were not in, and the scan place were not impressed. The sonographer said however that because my scan date was close to my LMP date that it didn't matter when the results came in, but if they were over a week difference I made have had to them again.
HTH's

mine's on the 2nd...there's only today i can do it ...and i'm not sure if the results will get to the sonographers on time.

might see if i can do it this afternoon.

[summerlump]

the nurse put an urgent sticker on my blood samples...she is sending the results to the sonographers. thanks for the advice...:yes:

[YoungMumSteph]

Still unsure weather I should have the blood test done too?! My mum works at the pathologist so if I go get my blood taken there she could get my results the same day? How much more accurate is it?