dogmom
12-09-2005, 10:15 AM
I just had my ERA screening last week. (It pairs an ultrasound in the first trimester with some blood tests to assess risk for several trisomial disorders, not just Down's Syndrome, trisomial 21.) All the test can do is adjust the baseline risk that is determined by your maternal age up or down depending on the results, it doesn't have the more definative results of an amniocentisis, but it doesn't have the risk of miscarrige either. I basically did it because I did not want an amnio (starting contracting with my last one).
I did some research before my test and thought I would post the links for anyone's future reference. My hospital screens for both nuchal transluceny (back of neck) and the presense of a nasal bone. The second is considered still experimental and not included in the risk adjustment. Although I realize the tests aren't for everyone, it was comforting for me and my DH. At my age the risk of a child with trisomial 18 & 13, which are very bad, is 1/130. After the ERA my risk dropped to 1/2630. Given my concerns that my last miscarriage could very well have been a trisomial disorder, this was a great comfort to me.
Here is a good summary of the screening:
http://www.mtsinai.on.ca/pdmg/Tests/nuchal.htm
Here is an excellent scientific article that talks about both Nuchal transluceny and nasal bone screening: http://www.cmj.hr/2005/46/5/16158472.pdf
Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03
Lump
6/18/06
I did some research before my test and thought I would post the links for anyone's future reference. My hospital screens for both nuchal transluceny (back of neck) and the presense of a nasal bone. The second is considered still experimental and not included in the risk adjustment. Although I realize the tests aren't for everyone, it was comforting for me and my DH. At my age the risk of a child with trisomial 18 & 13, which are very bad, is 1/130. After the ERA my risk dropped to 1/2630. Given my concerns that my last miscarriage could very well have been a trisomial disorder, this was a great comfort to me.
Here is a good summary of the screening:
http://www.mtsinai.on.ca/pdmg/Tests/nuchal.htm
Here is an excellent scientific article that talks about both Nuchal transluceny and nasal bone screening: http://www.cmj.hr/2005/46/5/16158472.pdf
Jeanne
Mom to Harvey
1/16/03
Lump
6/18/06