BLOOD TEST with NT SCAN

**Kimee** · 06-02-2007 08:40

Hi

Just wondering if anyone knows if you have to take the blood test that is given with the nuchal fold scan. Has anybody had just the scan without the bloods? I've googled it and everywhere is different with no straight answer! The reason I ask is because I'm needle-phobic and don't want to have to put myself through that if it's not completely necessary.

Thanks for any help!

**bigglet** · 06-02-2007 08:46

The blood test is usually taken about 10 weeks and the scan about 12 weeks.
They calculate the probability separately then combine the results together to get a better probability.

With my first pregnancy I actually forgot to get the blood tests done and just had the scan so yes you can just get the scan but you do get better results in combination with a blood test.

I am needle phobic as well but after countless blood tests you do get used to it (and I have had more than my fair share because my veins are hard to find!!) and then after giving birth..... well nothing compares with that!!!

**Jenko** · 06-02-2007 08:56

With my first scan the bloods weren't done yet so i didn't get them.

Second time i got the bloods but my Dr ordered the wrong ones so i still had the scan and i was going to get proper bloods done if the risk came back high. Risk came back low so i didn't bother having the bloods done.

Like bigglet said the bloods just help give a more accurate probability but i'm sure if you didn't want the blood test they wouldn't have to do them. It's not a routine test, it's oppitional so should be up to you. Talk to your Dr and see what your options are.

**Kimee** · 06-02-2007 09:43

Thanks Mel and Bigglet!

Because I'm 22 I don't think I'm of high risk and If I don't have to have the bloods done then I don't think I will. Like Bigglet they have a lot of trouble finding veins on me to draw blood cos you can't even see them on my arms. They have to have a few attempts and its just awful!

**bigglet** · 06-02-2007 09:58

Kimee - I totally understand re blood tests!!

You can't see the veins in my arms and because I suffered from eczema I have scarring which doesn't help at all!!

Drink lots and lots of water before you are due to have bloods drawn... it really helps!

(When I hadn't drunk enough it would take more than 3 attempts to get anywhere (OUCH!!) but I found that if I drank water beforehand usually they would get it first time!!)

**lilpearl** · 06-02-2007 10:05

My first two babies, I just had the scan. Blood test was only offered for AFTER the scan, anyway, and I was told it was up to me whether to have the blood test as well.....honestly, I only have that scan to see my baby, anyway, and got it free with my first two children...I was never concerned about the outcome. This pregnancy I had the blood test a week or so beforehand, because I didn't have the general blood tests until then, anyway. If I have another baby, I don't even think I'll bother with a NT scan - they're not really reliable, anyway.

**shed** · 06-02-2007 10:12

I was in a high risk age group but I decided just to have the scan without the bloods.

The result came back and I was happy with it so took it no further. Baby came out perfect.

I will do this again next time too. Scan but no bloods.

**jamb** · 06-02-2007 10:21

My experience was a little different.

Just got back from haivng bloods done as my ultrasound place said they would not give a reading without the bloods. They said it is a combined test.

The pathologist i went to said it is best to have them done 5 days prior to the ultrasound.

Amazing how much conflicting info there is in this world!!

**aljonmum** · 18-02-2007 12:53

Hi - I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experienced a wonderful 12 week ultrasound result only to have the biochemistry blood test come crashing down to turn the result into an unbelievably scary one. The scan alone gave me a 1 in 750 risk but the blood test came back with a 1 in 19. I'm having a CVS procedure done tomorrow and very concerned that I'm probably doing this for nothing. I keep seeing conflicting reports on the net about these blood tests and am very concerned that they cause so much concern and worry. The specialist told me that they don't know why results like this happen, but lets forget about the perfect scan and focus on these scary results! I've also been told by another specialist not to be too freaked out. Can anyone help me? I'm seriously considering cancelling my CVS procedure because I'm starting to think this blood test is a dangerous tool for testing due to the scare it can give. I just want to have the CVS done because I need peace of mind that all is okay but at the same time I'm angry that I've been scared into having this test done because I can't sleep at night worrying.

Sorry about the long post but I need help!!! Has anyone else been in this situation?

**mysonroger** · 18-02-2007 13:10

Originally Posted by aljonmum

Hi - I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has experienced a wonderful 12 week ultrasound result only to have the biochemistry blood test come crashing down to turn the result into an unbelievably scary one. The scan alone gave me a 1 in 750 risk but the blood test came back with a 1 in 19. I'm having a CVS procedure done tomorrow and very concerned that I'm probably doing this for nothing. I keep seeing conflicting reports on the net about these blood tests and am very concerned that they cause so much concern and worry. The specialist told me that they don't know why results like this happen, but lets forget about the perfect scan and focus on these scary results! I've also been told by another specialist not to be too freaked out. Can anyone help me? I'm seriously considering cancelling my CVS procedure because I'm starting to think this blood test is a dangerous tool for testing due to the scare it can give. I just want to have the CVS done because I need peace of mind that all is okay but at the same time I'm angry that I've been scared into having this test done because I can't sleep at night worrying.

Sorry about the long post but I need help!!! Has anyone else been in this situation?

i thought it was meant to be a combined result??? maybe you need to get someone to sit down and explain to you in a way you fully understand how they calculate those results. the scan, i believe overrides the bloods.....so i've been told recently by an expert in fetal development.

. maybe you could condsider getting a second opinion...start again at another place....even if its just the scan alone, as it's probably too late for the blood tests now anyway. apparently the scan depends on the expertise and ability of the ultrasonographer as well.... i was in a similar position recently and i asked for referrals to another ultrasonographer . my obsty was happy to send me along.