BLOOD TEST with NT

[Kimee]

Sorry girls another question about the 12 week scan for those who know!

Do you have to have the blood test that is given with the scan?? Has anybody had only the scan done without the bloods? I've googled it and everywhere is different with no straight answer! The reason I ask is cos Im needle-phobic and don't want to put myself through that if it's not entirely necessary.

Thanks for any help!

[Snugglepot]

Hi Kimmee,

I did not get the blood test done with the scan. I figured I could do it straight away if there was any problems. I think it accounts for about 5% of the test accuracy, the rest been the actual scan. I think you could leave it if you hate needles. Have you asked your Ob/GP?

Good luck with your scan, is it soon? Kez

[Kimee]

Thanks Kez!

I haven't asked my dr but I asked a lady from the scan place and she didn't really seem to know. The info you've given me is exactly what I needed to hear. Cos I'm 22 I think I would be low risk but if the results came back different I could always get bloods done after. I feel so much better now! :yes:

[Eleroo]

sorry to but in here, but you can have the scan and not have the blood test, only thing with that is that the scan can miss alot of things where as the blood test shows up more, although in saying that, with the blood test it can up your risk factor for no reason, i've knowen a few people that have had to have a amnio done cause their blood test came back as a risk but their scan loked alright, turns out that threir babies were fine. in the long run its up to you

i'll be doing the blood test and scan this time as well

[deb1234]

Kimee,

if i were you, and were scared of needles i'd probably just get the scan done. it is only a little needle though if you can handle it :)

[Livy]

I had my NT Scan BT this morning - didn't hurt that bad at all - they only needed one small tube of blood. And I am the biggest chicken when it comes to needles :yes: I am really nervous about my scan for some reason ..... can't wait til it's all done and I am safely into the second trimester :thumbsup:

[Kimee]

Livy - they only needed 1 tube? On my blood referral there were 3 printed out stickers that was part of what made me so hesitant about it. Do you remember how many stickers were on ur blood referral?

[M O P]

Kimee your doc may have requested more tests to be done at the same time. When I had the blood test as part of the Downs screening they took more than just one vial as the Obs requested a full blood test, one that I would have had to get even if I wasn't having the Downs screening.

My test came back high risk. The Obs said the scan looked ok but she pointed out it is done with the blood results together so you really need to look at the whole picture combined. They wouldn't bother doing both if the blood test was a waste of time and just triggering unfounded high risks all the time. (Having said that I'm pretty confident mine is unfounded)

It is up to you but if it's suggested you have the blood test too it's probably best you do as the health professionals suggest.

I was terrible with needles- particularly blood tests- but I just told myself it's all part of having a baby and if I want a baby I have to do it.
If you have it done at a Gribbles or ClinPath remember those nurses do blood tests all day every day- they are very well practised and good at it. I just tell them I have to lie down and look the other way!

Good luck whatever you decide!

[Kirst]

It's up to you what you decide Kimee, but I tend to agree with Kazza, that they wouldn't request it if it wasn't worth it. It gives a more complete picture.

I had 2 vials taken.

Also, there are going to be more tests that are going to need to be done, so maybe this will help you get used to needles. Also, when your child needs to have their immunizations, you are going to need to be strong, as they will 'feel' it if you are really nervous. Also when they go to the dentist.....etc.

My opinion (for what it's worth) - you're going to have to get used to needles for your kids' sake, why not start now?

[jamb]

I posted in your other thread (that my ultrasound people would not give a reading without bloods being done)

But I was also thinking that if you didnt have them done AND you got a high risk reading from US then I think it would be too late to get bloods done. Pretty sure it has to be done before US:confused:

With my first DS I got a high risk reading from US and it wasnt till they combined with bloods that my risk was dramatically reduced.

And BT's are nothin on labour! Good luck with your decision

[Livy]

Livy - they only needed 1 tube? On my blood referral there were 3 printed out stickers that was part of what made me so hesitant about it. Do you remember how many stickers were on ur blood referral?
Kimmee - I think I only had 1 sticker. That's wierd how it's different for everybody. When I first got my referral for the scan my Dr forgot to give me a BT form. The lady at the scan place told me they must have my BT results before they can do my scan so I had to go back to my Dr and ask for it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[hayles07]

Hi

I had my blood test done yesterday and my scan is on Friday.. Both my doctor and the lady at the scan place said I had to have a blood test done a few days before my scan... And they didnt just take one tube of blood - I believe there was several.... But that one blood test was to check for everything :)

[Kimee]

thanks for you advice everyone! I think I may have the blood test done just in case they won't let me get a scan done. Its amazing how Places differ so much! I'll just make sure DH is with me to hold my hand as I'm such a chicken when it comes to needles!!

[pixeleyes]

Good luck with your NT and blood test Kimee!

I was really really scared of needles but seem to be getting over it since I've had to go get BT's three times now! They actually hurt a LOT less than I imagine once I'm in there. I just don't look and keep talking. :)

First BT was for hormone levels to confirm my pregancy was viable. (one vial)

Second was general screening (three vials) for Rubella and STD's like Hep B, Syphilis, blood group check and blood count etc etc.

Third was for the NT test (one vial) and I was told I had to have it 3 working days before I went in for the scan because they use the results combined with the scan to get the best information. (They also used that blood to check for Spina Bifida).

I felt happy with the results and probably won't do any further tests but I will double check with my doc when I go in next on the 22nd.

Hope everything goes well with yours. It's interesting the "what if" scenarios that come up for discussion with these tests. Back when our parents were born I'm told they didn't even have scans let alone the BT's and screening we do now.

[Kimee]

Morning girls!

Just thought I'd update you and let you know that I braved through and got the blood tests done this morning! I made DH come with me before he went to work so he could hold my hand! poor thing, I think I left fingernail marks on them oops! they took 3 or 4 tubes DH said (i don't know I had my eyes shut the whole time)

But I'm glad cos I didn't want to get to the scan on Wed and them tell me I had to get blood first! Can't wait til Wed now it'll be the best bday pressie! :party:

Thanks again for all your advice!! :yes:

[deb1234]

yay kimee!!! congrats on being so brave! :yelclap:
let us know how your scan goes :)

[Kimee]

Thanks Deb! I'll let you know on Wed! So excited! :smiliedance:

[Kirst]

Well done Kimee. I'm so proud of you.

[zaxmumma]

I work for a radiology clinic & i'm sorry to say u can't have an accurate Nuchal without the bloods. There has been many occasions where we have had to recalculate the results as the blood work comes back & changes the results.

[zaxmumma]

Der what an idiot I didnt realise there was a second page on this thread LOL

Oh well now everyone knows anyway PMSL

[Kimee]

Hi Emily!

It's good to know that for future reference!! :) thanks for letting us know!!

[M O P]

:hugs: well done Kimee,

have fun at the scan- they are very exciting and much more fun than a blood test!

And does that mean today's your birthday?
happybirthday if it is!