NIST test. do not go for Oscar. Opt for Paranoma/NICE/Harmony

Speaking from my own experience… I went to one of the clinics in Thomson Medical and the Dr asked me to go for Down syndrome test (the usual 12/13th week test). I opted for Oscar, thinking that my family and my hubby’s do not have any Down syndrome babies and it’s relatively cheaper by a lot (est $700 difference!). Turned out the result is 1/4 chance of getting a Down syndrome baby and that I need to go for invasive tests. The report also indicated that my baby does not have a nasal bone. Later I went for second opinion to another private clinic in Mt Elizabeth Novena, the Dr suggested to go for another blood test, NICE. He purposely make it much more affordable so that his patients are much more comfortable in getting this tested. Turned out my baby is FINE! No genetic issues at all! Now that I’m 20 weeks and I did further scans and My baby is perfectly alright. I have heard another case where a lady had Oscar test and results were ok. Later after giving birth, the baby is having Down syndrome. So don’t try to save money for this test. #1stimemom

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Yes agree and also from tmc, in fact for my age, the gynae should have just inform that I am likely to fail oscar, but she just kept quiet and watch us proceed the test and get panick from the result (can tell from her reaction that this was expected), which made me quite pissed because along time I get to see they are actually more interested in making money from us, the more test we do, better for their pockets! I was then referred to another specialist due to other conditions and similar thing happened. They knew where are the safety limits that doesnt hurt their reputation and send us for rounds of consultations and tests so they earn more out of it, how I confirn this fact is because I decide to also visit the gov hospital concurrently for second opinion. guess what? govt hospital prescriptions and advise solved my condition while tmc specialist slowly take his time to treat me, so I have to keep going back for test and consultation. Beware of private doctors, they won't kill u (as they need to save their reputation too) but they will ripe ur wallet off in a subtle way.

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3y ago

hi can I ask what condition were u in and what did govt hos advised u instead ?

I did both oscar and harmony test together at Kkh for my second child (since im already drawing blood for one of the test, might as well draw it tgt). I did both not only because of down syndrome but each test also test for other genetic issue. And, i highly recommend all mummy-to-be to go for whichever test your dr recommend. Because it really is not easy to rise a child with down syndrome. I did not do any test for my first child, am glad he turned out fine. But seeing my down syndrome neighbour and her mum makes me realised this isnt an easy job. My heart ache every time i see them. Tbh, i dont think i can handle these in the long run especially when rising a child is getting more and more expensive.

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Super Mum

I experienced the same issue (also from Thomson Medical). My Oscar scan result wasn't good. Gynae advised to take NIPT. I went for the NIPT test, guess what? There was no result. They said cannot find my baby's DNA. I went for a retest and I'm currently waiting for the 2nd test result.

I have asked around and noticed that mummies at Thomson medical did Oscar and Many of the times are false positives. They should consider changing the company to do NIST. Stop using Oscar. Heard from my gynae it’s a very old test.

Agree that OSCAR has a lot of false positive! Gave me a scare and anxiety when I got my intermediate risk result. Turns out baby is fine! May I know more about this blood test you took that is more affordable Cos NIPT tests are usually 1k+

3y ago

Mine’s NICE, from Cordlife. So my doctor offered $700+ only

hi can I ask, was there any nasal bone during the week 20 scan?

3y ago

You can request for it. But usually it will have.

Could I please ask who your Gynae is?

3y ago

Managed to scan my baby’s nasal bone at 20 weeks! Should b ok. Just do another NIPT will do. Don’t do invasive