False Triple Screening

[Ayva]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Mexico
I am 18 weeks pregnant with our second child. About two weeks ago I was given the triple screening test and to our surprise received the devastating news that our baby was not going to live. We were told that the test results showed low test numbers that was known as Trisomy 18. We were given the option of abortion. As devastating as this was I was emotionally depressed. Without giving us an option of a second test to confirm the first we were told there was no hope for our baby. My doctor set up an appointment with a specialist to review the condition of our baby. As we were given an ultrasound the specialist found no trace of Trisomy 18 on our baby. A second triple screening was tested and all came back normal. Thank God for the blessing!

Now is the emotional stress placed on me and my family by the diagnose my doctor gave us without ever doing another test a case we can proceed with? Also, we have not received an answer for the false test results given.

[ecmst12]

Your situation is unfortunate but there is no legal recourse. Actually, your situation is JOYFUL and you have no legal recourse. The ultrasound was the second test to confirm the results of the first. It didn't, and it turns out you had a false positive. False positive is possible with any test, as is false negative, there is no test anywhere in medicine that is absolutely 100% accurate and no promises are made of it. Plus, your baby is absolutely fine and you have no damages.

[lya]

The triple screen is just that, a screen. It is not a conclusive test and is not held out to be a conclusive test.

Patients do not hear everything that is said to them. When receiving test results, patients hear the part that triggers adrenalin production, which in turn, imprints those words on the brain. The rest of what the provider tells the patient is lost...another reason to seek a follow-up appointment after receiving a new regimen, to seek a second opinion, or to seek further tesing.

[lealea1005]

Also, we have not received an answer for the false test results given.

There may be no answer for your false positive result. As stated earlier, the triple screen is...well...a screening test. The accuracy of the triple screen has been documented anywhere from 95% to as low as 80%, give or take. From what you stated, your OB set up an appointment with a specialist to review and/or confirm the results. As your Physician, he is obligated to give you all the options if a positive result was confirmed, including termination of your pregnancy.

Good luck with the remainder of your pregnancy and the birth of your baby.