Borderline for open neural tube defect?

So, I had a blood test done last week at 17 weeks to check AFP (Alpha Fetal Protein) and the doctor said before this blood test my results were normal range and negative for it with 580's she called me today after getting my blood back and she now says I'm borderline normal/abnormal and the rate is now 1 in 224.. She said that I should retake the blood test and check it again because of false positives; however, she said, that the only way they can definitely see anything at this point is the anatomy scan which I had scheduled for 21 weeks because of a trip to Florida... but she says that I can go earlier... So I'm going to try to go next week because I'm worried. She says she's not worried and it's borderline, but she has to tell me the results anyway, and we can't really know for sure until we do the anatomy scan to see if it comes up abnormal. I'm a worrier and I need some comforting..Has anyone else had this issue before? Any advice?

I'm worried about my LO :O(

Re: Borderline for open neural tube defect?

I had a very similar experience. My OB wasn't worried either, because typically the blood tests they run at 8 or 12 weeks are more reliable and definitive than the AFP for this particular (and other) level.

I chose to wait out the 3 weeks I had until my anatomy scan - at which time they ruled out any potential issues.

Hang in there! Many times I think these tests do more than good!

Re: Borderline for open neural tube defect?

Really? I was under the impression that the this blood test was supposed to be more accurate than the others.... She wants me to retake my blood test for the AFP, so I'm going to get my blood taken today. She also wants me to schedule my anatomy scan earlier. So, I'm going to call the hospital to see if they can do that as well... so they can rule out anything too... I'm hoping that they do!


Thank you for responding... I really appreciate it, and I'm so glad things are okay with you and your LO!

Re: Borderline for open neural tube defect?

What about sonos? MY OB told me that they recently found a case by sono before all the tests.

Re: Borderline for open neural tube defect?

I've had plenty of sonos... one at 4 1/2 weeks, one at 8 1/2 weeks, one at 11 weeks, one at 12 weeks - ultrascreen, and one at 16 weeks.... nothing came up abnormal. The major one is the anatomy scan at 20 weeks..