afp

[victoriaw]

Does everyone have an AFP test? I gave a blood sample last week (16/17 weeks) but the hospital have 'lost' the sample so next time I'll be able to give a sample is next week (19 weeks) is this too late? Also, this isn't a diagnostic test so will it just tell me if there is an increased risk of the baby being born with abnormalities? We have had the scan for Downs which came back low risk so I am wondering what the AFP is for? Thanks! x

[pixie_woo]

Hi

I didn't have the AFP test, I had the Triple Test instead. As far as I'm aware its a voluntary test so if you didn't want to give another sample then you wouldn't have to. If you feel that the scan was enough for you then leave it at that (was it the Nuchal Fold Scan?).
The results of my Triple Test put the chance of my baby being born with an abnormality (for want of a better word) in an 1 in X format which some people find reassuring.
The tests have caused some controversy because it is possible to get a "false positive" result which can be misleading & cause undue stress.

Hope this helps x