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!

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!

SOmehow me n wife trust klinik kesihatan better.they really take everything seriously.downside is long wait and uncomfortable facilities.wife is covered under petronas but even with that we still go to klinik kesihatan.now my wife is pregnant with second child and we still plan to deliver in selayang hospital.look up for private,all the numbers looks scary..so many hidden charges.hahah..might as well put those money for family trip in 5 star hotel.lol. i have a cousin who's somehow almost broke after delivery in prince court penang.13k.last2,borrow mother's money.

Hahah..we are not harming anyone by preferring GH over private. No one gv birth in the alley while we delivered our first.Plus Sealayng hospital is the nearest hospital just 5km while only small2 private hospital nearby with columbia hosp 20km away.wouldnt you want your wife to be safe n sound with the nearest n round the clock ready for her?why would we go to seremban for that?crazy idea from crazy ppl don u think?We trust the medical team over GH who's more ready for emergency unlike private. You may call me cheapskate for my wife.i call it being safe n wise. And trust me,wife n me hv a mutual decision abt this.we have go through all of our options and in our case,gh is the best way.