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Expert Q&A

	By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist

I'm expecting twins (conceived via IVF with donor egg and the donor was 18 years old). My doctor wants me to have the nuchal scan/blood test to check for Down syndrome. I've heard that these tests often have false negative results, especially with twins. Do you have any stats on the real accuracy of these tests? I do not want to have the amniocentesis test, and if I get a positive result have to face four months of stress and worry.?

My usual recommendation to patients is that if you know you would never get an amniocentesis done, even if you had the possibility of a baby with Down syndrome, then there is no reason to get the screening test done.

You are correct that there is a high false positive rate with the first and second trimester Down screening tests, and it would only cause you months of worry. The only way of knowing for certain is via the results of an amniocentesis.

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