Dumb question but what is the difference...?

between the ultrasound/sonogram and the ultrascreen?

TIA

Re: Dumb question but what is the difference...?

I believe that the ultrascreen is one specific test that's done at around 12 weeks, it is a sonogram where they do specific measurements to check for Downs indicators. So the ultrascreen is a test that's done using a sonogram.

Ultrasounds/sonograms are just the type of test performed, checking the baby. You see all kinds of the pictures posted on here from those.

Does that make sense?

Message edited 2/7/2007 2:36:47 PM.

Re: Dumb question but what is the difference...?

Yes it does make sense but that I could have sworn I saw that people opted not to have an ultrascreen but did get regular sono's. I think thats what had me confused. Plus on that other thread people are saying that had 2 sonos and 1 ultrascreen.

Re: Dumb question but what is the difference...?

I opted out of the ultrascreen with both pg's. With DD i had a reg sono at 12 weeks only because i m/c'd right before DD was concieved and they weren't sure of my due date.

I didn't have a 12 sono with this pg.

ETA: I only got the growth sono at 32 weeks because i had preterm contractions and was considered high risk.

Some women have more depending on their circumstances around the pg.

Hope that helps!

Message edited 2/7/2007 2:47:22 PM.

Re: Dumb question but what is the difference...?

Re: Dumb question but what is the difference...?

Like an earlier poster said the difference is that the Ultra screen is a test that uses a sonogram as part of the test. The ultra screen combines an ultrasound and a blood test to perform a screening test. From what I understand,the sonogram part of the test uses the sonogram to measure the amount of fluid accumulation behind the neck of the baby and the blood test analyzes certain chemicals in the blood. The two tests are combined to assess your risk for Down Syndrome and trisomies (sp?) 18 and 13. The point of the ultra screen is to "screen" your risk for these things so you can then determine whether you want an amnio.

The reason I am considering not getting this test is NOT because there is a risk to the baby - because there isn't. It is because if the test detects a higher risk - the only next step is really an amnio which does carry a risk. The test is know for having a rate of false positives so that in combination with whether you would want the amnio or not is why some people opt out.

Hope this helps

ETA: The ultrascreen is completely optional. In my dr.'s office it is completely separate from the 12 week visit - you make a separate appointment (mine is not at my dr.'s office even) to have it done in addition to your twelve week visit.

Message edited 2/7/2007 2:54:54 PM.

Re: Dumb question but what is the difference...?

ultrascreen is known also as NT test or nuchal translucency screening....