What is involved in the first trimester screen?
The first trimester screen is a combination of a blood and an ultrasound test. A small amount of maternal blood is drawn either in a tube or by finger stick. A few drops of blood are then dried on special paper. The ultrasound is performed to measure the nuchal translucency (fluid accumulation at the back of the fetal neck). The nuchal translucency should be measured by certified health care providers. The values obtained are analyzed by GeneCare to provide risk estimates for Down syndrome and Trisomy 18.
