NT Scan vs Verifi

[welly01]

Quick backstory: I'm switching doctors because my doctor no longer does VBACs.  I'm still trying to get an appt. with a new doctor, so I'm still getting advice/instructions from my current OB.

During my appt. today, I told her that I needed my medical records pretty soon so I could make an appt. for an NT scan by 12 weeks.  She acted kinda surprised and said that she could do one, she just has to send me to a different office.  So apparently, her office is not certified (or whatever) to do NT scans.  Which means I never had one with DS.  She doesn't normally do one for low risk moms.  I'm totally surprised by this because I thought it was pretty much offered to everyone.  Then she mentioned the Verifi test and said that its almost better than getting an NT scan.  So I agreed to come in next week for bloodwork.

Also, she didn't seem to feel like I NEEDED the test but would do it just because of my previous losses and since I brought up the NT scan.  Other than my losses, I don't have any known risk factors for anything.

I know the NT scan is really important.  Does anyone know if its okay to do the Verifi instead of the NT scan?  Should I be requesting that my new doctor do the NT scan?  Should I cancel the Verifi test?

[bootsorhearts]

::dirty lurker::

Verifi and similar tests are looking specifically for chromosomal issues and some sex chromosome issues - T21, T13 and others. This is a blood test on you, so very non-invasive and the accuracy is very high. There have been a handful of false positives reported in the history of these tests being offered (which is not long, a few years.) The NT scan only gives ODDS which would prompt further testing, such as an amnio. For those of us who are high risk for chromosomal issues (i.e. AMA ladies!), it's usually covered by insurance, but it also may be covered if you are considered high risk for other reasons, i.e. past loss(es) or personal/family history of conditions like that. The NT scan however can identify other potential problems such as birth defects that are not chromosomally related, so it is BROADER than the Verifi test, but much less PRECISE when it comes to chromosomal issues.

For me, I declined the NT because 'odds' were useless to me and I did Verifi (or one of its equivalents) because I wanted to know for sure about chromosomal issues and I wasn't overly worried about other issues. But it's a personal decision. Your OB may have a genetic counselor who could help you sort through the options too.

[mrskblack11]

I think bootsorhearts explained it perfectly.

I had the Panorama test done (which is another company that does chromosomal testing) as well as the NT scan. The genetic blood tests are very accurate in detecting chromosomal abnormalities. The NT is an U/S that will measure fold of the baby's neck. From there you can opt to do further testing (like an amnino) if you receive abnormal results. There is also a blood test associated with the NT scan but I do not know if it tests for the same chromosomal abnormalities like Verfi does. Since I did the Panorama test, and my N/T scan results were in the normal range, I did not do the blood test normally associated with the NT scan.

I would double check with your insurance to make sure they will cover the Verfi test. Some insurances will not cover unless you are AMA. The NT scan was covered by my insurance. I am not AMA, but my OB's office had a contract with the Panorama test so I did not have to pay full price.

[downtheshore]

I had both done this time, but as others said, it seems that Verifi or Panorama will give you more information than the NT scan, so I think if you can only get the Verfi, you'll be okay. For example, last year I had an abnormal NT scan and then the doctor ordered the Panorama test, which revealed the cause of the abnormal scan. If I had just had the Panorama I could have gotten my diagnosis without the two weeks of waiting in agony after having a bad scan.

[BookishMomma]

My doc recommended both NT scan and Verifi for me. But I'm AMA and, with 4 losses, considered high risk, so I think she's jus being extra thorough.

[uneek]

No advice because I didn't have a choice, but I wanted to wish you luck with figuring this out and with transitioning to a new doctor.

[tealappeal]

I think the above explanation is a good one, too. We had the NT ultrasound, and then met with a genetic counselor (such a nice benefit!), who actually persuaded us to do the cell free DNA (which is the generic term for Panorama, Verifi, etc) test as well. We will also be doing a 2nd blood draw soon for AFP, which adds precision to the NT ultrasound. I'm glad we chose that route, because I wanted to do the cell free anyway, but I haven't seen the bills yet!

Good luck with your decision!

[dawnstar898]

I always thought the N/T scan was pretty standard. They never presented it to me as optional. I think it's good too just to see that everything is progressing well. The harmony blood test that I got with that was completely my choice. I personally would ask about the N/T scan!