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Mimi25
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/08 556 total posts
Name:
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If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
I went for my monthly check up yesterday and the doctor now wants me to have the AFP test done to check for Spina Bifida. While I understand I'm "up there in age", at the same time, I can't continue taking time off from work for these tests. They don't have late hours, which causes me to leave early or come in late and my job is NOT understanding.
Isn't the CVS enough? I know each test checks for different things, but at this point, I feel like the CVS is more than enough for me to be fine with w/out worrying about something else.
What would you do?
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Posted 10/15/08 9:49 AM  |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
I read that the CVS cannot not detect nueral tube dificency or spina bifida. The AFP is just a 2 minute thing, they take blood and that's it. Can you ask to have it done at a lab (i.e. Quest), so you can go on a weekend, or early in the morning before work?
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| Posted 10/15/08 9:51 AM |
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Mimi25
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/08 556 total posts
Name:
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Posted by MrsRbk
I read that the CVS cannot not detect nueral tube dificency or spina bifida. The AFP is just a 2 minute thing, they take blood and that's it. Can you ask to have it done at a lab (i.e. Quest), so you can go on a weekend, or early in the morning before work?
The problem is my doctors office is NEVER 2 minutes, it's over an hour. Aside from that, w/my last pregnancy I only had the AFP test done and a Level 2 sonogram and DD turned out fine. They were pushing the CVS and amnio but I opted out of it.
I just feel like they are pushing this too..they didn't ask me if I wanted to have it done, they said "you need to" and I thought it was a choice?
Bottom line is I want whats best for the baby, but at the same time I'm worried about my job. 
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| Posted 10/15/08 9:54 AM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Understood, then I would ask them if you can have the bloodwork done at a lab since most of them have Saturday morning hours.
I mean, having the screening is totally up to you in the end. Many women decline having it done.
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| Posted 10/15/08 9:56 AM |
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Mimi25
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/08 556 total posts
Name:
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Posted by MrsRbk
Understood, then I would ask them if you can have the bloodwork done at a lab since most of them have Saturday morning hours.
I mean, having the screening is totally up to you in the end. Many women decline having it done.
Thanks i'm going to look into it 
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| Posted 10/15/08 9:58 AM |
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babyfaith
Onward and Upward!
Member since 2/08 3210 total posts
Name:
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
I think you still need to do the blood test for spinal cord defects after the CVS. Amnio checks for everything. HTH.
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| Posted 10/15/08 11:35 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Posted by Mimi25
Posted by MrsRbk
Understood, then I would ask them if you can have the bloodwork done at a lab since most of them have Saturday morning hours.
I mean, having the screening is totally up to you in the end. Many women decline having it done.
Thanks i'm going to look into it
I agree, explain the situation and ask for a script to go to Quest or Labcorp, where you can go before work, very early or a evening or weekend.
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| Posted 10/15/08 11:36 AM |
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Mimi25
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/08 556 total posts
Name:
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Posted by babyfaith
I think you still need to do the blood test for spinal cord defects after the CVS. Amnio checks for everything. HTH.
With my last pregnancy (35) I was told after the AFP I would "have" to get the Amnio done, and I told them I didn't want to because of the risks involved. I was told it is a decision I could make, not one that would be made for me. I guess that's why I was surprised yesterday when my doctor said "we are going to schedule you for" instead of "would you want to go for".
I opted for the CVS because I felt amnio was a little more risky at 16-20 weeks. I felt more comfortable with having the CVS done before 13 weeks knowing the results were just as accurate minus the fact that you may want to have the AFP done after to check for other things.
I am going to go through with the AFP test - only because now they have me worried. They make my age (which is 36) sound so old
Thanks again everyone - I really appreciate all of your input/advice
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| Posted 10/15/08 1:53 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Posted by Mimi25
I am going to go through with the AFP test - only because now they have me worried. They make my age (which is 36) sound so old
Thanks again everyone - I really appreciate all of your input/advice
FYI - Age has nothing to do with spinal defects...AFP test can be abnormal in younger and older women equally. This I am sure.  So your age will not affect your odds at good or bad results. KWIM?
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| Posted 10/15/08 3:48 PM |
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CkGm
They get so big, so fast :(
Member since 5/05 13848 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
I did the CVS and just did the blood test for the AFP. It took seconds at my doctor's office so I don't understand why you need another appointment to get it done. I did go for my anatomy scan too but that's routine for all pregnancies to make sure everything is developing normally.
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| Posted 10/15/08 3:52 PM |
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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Re: If you've had a CVS test done, do you HAVE to get AFP done as well?
Can you possibly schedule the AFP to be done at the same time as a regular check-up?
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| Posted 10/17/08 4:32 AM |
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