triple screen positive

[chrislife]

I got a call today to tell me that my triple screen came out positive, indicating a possibility of Down Syndrome. Does anyone know how reliable a positive is? If anyone here has had a positive, how did things turn out?

I'd be grateful for prayers.

 

[Leanna]

There is a high possibility of a false positive! That I know for sure.

*hugs* I'm sure it feels very stressful

 

[BananaCake]

I thought the triple screen could only indicate your odds, not give you a definitive answer. Is that not correct?

There's a new u/s procedure they can do that measures neck size as an indication of Down's Syndrome, rather than an amniocentesis, which can cause miscarriage. It's in the current issue of Fit Pregnancy. It'd be worth looking into.

Definitely praying!

 

[chrislife]

Evidently they call it a positive if the odds are higher than average. And yes, I'm waiting to get my appointment for the sonogram. I don't want to do amnio because of the risk; just not worth it to me.

 

[jgonz]

False positives happen ALL the time with the Triple Screen (that's why I always refused it.)

 

[Just4Jesus]

False positives happen ALL the time with the Triple Screen (that's why I always refused it.)

Me too, there are too many false positives. I am praying for you chrislife. Too many times that test has been wrong.

 

[olafias]

I'll be praying for you! I had the sonogram done just as a practice procedure, it is new at our hospital and they needed women to practice on, so I didn't actually get my results. They take a lot of pictures of the baby, which was fun! I know it must be hard, but try to focus on the positive aspect that your baby was created by God and he loves you both, not matter what happens!

 

[karla]

Praying for and the baby.

 

[gracepaints]

I don't even know why they use the word "positive" because it doesn't apply. We all have a certain risk for a baby with Downs, even a person that "passes" or gets a "negative" result from the triple screen. Getting a negative does NOT mean your child will not have DS. It only means there is no indication of an increased risk for DS.

In your case, certain markers showed up that are sometimes, but not always, indicators of an increased risk of DS. These markers just mean to get a more definitive answer more tests are required. The triple screen itself doesn't tell you for sure one way or the other.

Also, the markers are not that reliable. They are based on the idea that your baby should be releasing x amount of this chemical at this point it his/her development. Unfortunately, babies start to grow at their own pace around this time. So, the "positive" result could mean no more than the baby is growing a few days ahead or behind schedule and therefore not releasing the expected amount of the chemical.


Personally, I turned down the test because knowing that my risk was 1 in 50 instead of 1 in 5000 (the average risk everyone has) made no difference to me because I could still be that 1 person and short of a aminio (which is out of the question) there was no way for me to know for sure. So, why bother?

 

[gracepaints]

PS My sister-in-law got a triple screen result that indicated a possible increased risk for spina bifida. She was hysterical and I was livid because I knew that at 24 and being in good health, that the test was baloney and just stressing her out. Sure enough, the baby showed up whole and fine on the ultrasound. This is one of the things that led me to investigate and eventually turn down the test.

There are many stories like this. This test has a 90-98% "false positive" rate.

 

[chrislife]

The main reason I took the test was that I have this funny feeling this time. My insurance will cover the level II ultrasound if the triple screen calls for it, and I gather the level II ultrasound is more diagnostic. Since I posted that first post, I've done some more reading about what the results mean, and I'm far more encouraged; apparently even a "positive" only means a risk greater than 1 in 270.

I also learned that an error in calculating gestational age can cause a false positive, and it's entirely possible that that played a part. There was a 2 1/2 week discrepancy between the due date my doctor initially gave and the one I got from the sonogram technician at my regular sonogram.

Just the same, I'll be glad to get the level II to have a better idea.

 

[jgonz]

I always did the Level II u/s for diagnostic purposes (because I refused all other tests/screenings). One of them was a color u/s... it was so amazing watching my son's blood being pumped through his heart...

 

[TCat]

I got a positive on the triple screen and my Dr.s immediately started talking about my "options" and since I had only a few more days before reaching the 20th week I needed to hurry and get the amnio so I could abort legally!!!
We had a level II US the next day and the first thing the Dr. said was that there was a spot on our baby's heart that was indicitive of Down syndrom, but the neck folds were fine and the bridge of her nose was within normal range. So we left without any real answers but with trust that God knew who we needed in our lives.
15 weeks later a tiny, heathy so called normal, baby girl was born to us.

 

[Linnis]

I refused it because of all the false positives. I didn't want or need to borrow trouble & stress.

*hugs*

 

[Linnis]

I always did the Level II u/s for diagnostic purposes (because I refused all other tests/screenings). One of them was a color u/s... it was so amazing watching my son's blood being pumped through his heart...

That is amazing! I saw DS swallow fluid. I cried.

 

[christiankate]

My good friend and his wife, had a very false positive. They went through many months of turmoil and nervousness after learning that their son was going to have alot problems. When their son was born he was the healthiest baby ever. The little guy is 7 now and what a cutie.... We will keep you in our prayers! Always rely on GOD!

 

[RedTulipMom]

they need to throw that stupid test out ..sigh. my sil had a false positive and her and my bro went through so many tears and so much stress ...ALL FOR NOTHING!!! arghh...

 

[Meshavrischika]

False positives and false negatives
Ultrasound, which is considered a screening test, of an unborn baby can sometimes miss subtle abnormalities. For example studies show that a detailed ultrasound, also called a level 2 ultrasound, can detect about 80% of spina bifida. Ultrasound results may also show "soft signs," such an Echogenic intracardiac focus or Choroid plexus cyst, which are usually normal, but can be associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormalities.
Other screening tests, such as the AFP triple test, can have false positives and false negatives. Even when the AFP triple test results are positive, usually the pregnancy is normal, but additional diagnostic tests may be offered. Both false positives and false negatives will have a large impact to a couple when they are told the result, or when the child is born. Diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis, are considered to be very accurate for the defects they check for.
No prenatal test can detect all forms of birth defects and abnormalities.


- wikipedia

Hope this makes you feel a little better.