Ultra Screen Results and Skill of Sonographer?

[Anonymous]

I'm 39 years old and 12 weeks pregnant with my second child. I just did an Ultra Screen test yesterday and the results weren't good-- 1 in 8 chance of Down Syndrome. I want to do a CVS but we're afraid I won't be able to get in done in time due to the weather. If I can't get in somewhere, I'll have to wait until 15 weeks to do an amnio. Obviously I'm not thrilled about waiting, I'd rather just know.

I've been a patient at a large OB practice for many years and thus have used all of their sonographers. For some reason I've never had much confidence in one particular woman, she just didn't seem to have to same skill as the others. She did my test yesterday, and it didn't feel right. It was the end of the day, I was the last patient, she was way behind in the schedule, and she seemed to have a hard time finding the right angle to get the measurements. I didn't feel good about it even before I got the results.

I realize I'm just grasping for straws here because I'm not going to be able to confirm a diagnosis for days and maybe weeks. But can anyone tell me if by Ultra Screen results could have been skewed if the sonographer didn't take accurate measurements?

[Anonymous]

Why not ask if you can have the screening test redone before you do the CVS (or amnio)? I had an elevated AFP test and had it redone and everything came back fine. I don't think it's unreasonable to redo a non-invasive test before you do an invasive test. And obviously ask for the sonographer that you like. Good luck! I'm sure everything is fine.

[Anonymous]

Hi
I am sorry about your test results. I am surprised that they gave you results so quickly? I just had my ultra screen about 3 weeks ago and it took nearly a week to get the results of the blood work in. (although they told me the nuchal fold measurement on the spot) It was about 6-7 days until the Dr called with my 1 in XXX chances. I have a 4 year old who has Down syndrome. It was not diagnosed prenatally. I am also 39 years old and due to my high risk was sent to Dr Larsen at GW for the tests (although I still see my regular OB) FWIW the sonographer told me that the machine they use there is the "rolls royce" of ultra sound machines! If you need or want to talk to someone I would be happy to speak with you myself or can put you in touch with someone from a local Down syndrome support group if you are looking for more information. I also just went to a very informative lecture by Dr Brian Skotko that was all about prenatal and post natal diagnosis of DS and gave up to date data on what the numbers mean. You could check out his website and find out more there too (I have it somewhere but I bet you can google him to find it)
Please let me know if I can help you in any way!

[Anonymous]

I would get the sono re-done, you still have time until your 14 weeks I think? I guess you would have a right for second opinion or something?

[Anonymous]

did they do the blood draw with your ultrasound? I had the NT scan and I was told the results couldn't be 100% accurate until the sonogram was cross verified with the blood results ... which took a week.

I'd get it redone if I were you. GIVF in Fairfax does the first trimester / NT scan screenings ... that's where I went.

GL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:did they do the blood draw with your ultrasound? I had the NT scan and I was told the results couldn't be 100% accurate until the sonogram was cross verified with the blood results ... which took a week.

I'd get it redone if I were you. GIVF in Fairfax does the first trimester / NT scan screenings ... that's where I went.

GL

This is a good idea because GIVF is also a great place to go if you have the CVS. If you call and explain, I bet they will find a way to fit you in quickly, at least after the roads are cleared.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Our practice takes the blood test in advance, so once they have the sono measurements they can just input them in the computer and it generates a report immediately. That's how I knew the results right away.

[Anonymous]

what i would do is get them to break down the odds for you. were the bad odds because of the NT measurement or the bloodwork?

[Anonymous]

Can the bloodwork be done at a different time without screwing things up?

[Anonymous]

OP--yes, I think the results can be skewed if the sonographer didn't get the right measurements. Sorry about this stressful situation. I would see if you could get a CVS scheduled by early next week--maybe your doc could call around for you.