Hi all, I'm 8 weeks pregnant, first time and was told that at my age (38) I will need to go for a blood test to check the chromosome of my baby. Can anyone share your experience: when (at how many weeks), where, and how much the test costs? I'm having difficulty finding out online and resort to parenting forums to find some answers.
I was told it's RM3k++ at Gleaneagles Dr Aziz, can be done by 8th week onwards, and the blood sample will be analysed overseas and is 99% accurate. My concern is the hefty price tag and I'm looking to see if there are alternatives around.

Thanks!

Thank you Creep, and congratulations on your second BB. Hope all is well!

I've asked at KKIA, and the government hospitals do not offer this free cell non invasive chromosome check. My public hospital Dr said they will do a test on me at 20 weeks old. This test is a nuchal scan I think and its not 99% accurate. She agreed that I should take a test earlier (10-12 weeks) by private Dr. rather than to wait until 20 wks.

Thank you Supersound for your feedback.
There is quite a number of different DNA testing for Down Syndrome. The GH does offer a test, as mentioned, and they will offer it at 20 wks according to my KKIA Dr.
But for me 4-5 mths way too late to find out.. Why do you say 18 weeks is the best time? Also, I don't quite understand "doing it once and for whole family of 3".. do you mean that not only the pregnant mum took the test?

The cost of RM400 each test does sound familiarly like the test my KKIA Dr offered. It is only 8+% accurate combined with nuchal scan is 90% accurate.

I prefer to test much earlier with higher accuracy (99%).

Thanks again.

Oh.. now I understand!! Thanks.
Actually, I read online that abortion in Malaysia is illegal after 120 days (that's approx 4 mths).

I decided to stick with Dr Aziz since I checked with two other hospitals- Assunta and Tung Shin and the doctors' charges are around the same.

This NICC blood test will be done at 12 weeks, sent to HK, and costs RM3k. It's highly accurate (99%).

If I have anymore info that I could share with you guys, I'll post again!

Thank you Arcangel!!! Unfortunately just slightly too late. I did my NICC test at Gleneagles under Datuk Dr Aziz in the morning at 9am on 26th Jan...
Care to share abit more about this PWMC? For the sake of all readers..
I myself may consider switching drs after I get this test result.
The test is called Panorama by Natera and blood samples sent to HK for analysis.
Dr Aziz charges RM3k, as does Dr Chuah at Tung Shin. Dr Liew from Assunta charges around RM2500-2700 but I felt to save 300-500RM for a test but have to drive to PJ from Ampang is too much of a hassle as his consultation and scans are not that much cheaper from Gleneagles.

Hi Periwater,
Do you mean the NICC at Prince Court was RM2.2k last year or the amniocentesis?
If NICC, then its super cheap considering Prince Court is NOT a cheap hospital. If Amniocentesis, its expensive as I heard it only costs RM600 elsewhere...

Quick update! The NICC Panorama test results took only 8 days to arrive. Dr told me over the phone to save me a trip and consultation charges (I'm going in each month so he said since the results are perfectly normal, no need to come in until the next appointment). Good news, bb is normal and is a BOY!!
So, now busy telling everyone the good news... hahaha...

Well put. If money is no issue, go for the best that money can buy!