What is the first-trimester screening test (Ultra screen)?
Some providers offer a first-trimester screening test for Down syndrome (affected children have mental retardation, characteristic facial features, and often, heart defects and other physical problems) and trisomy 18 (affected babies have severe mental retardation, heart defects and numerous other birth defects). This test also may show if a baby is at increased risk for heart defects. This test is done between 11 and 13 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. It is called the combined test because the test has two parts: a blood test and an ultrasound examination (a test that uses sound waves to take a picture of the fetus). The provider sends the blood sample to the lab, which measures the levels of two substances in the mother’s blood: free-beta hCG (a specific form of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin) and pregnancy-associated protein A (PAPP-A). Levels of PAPP-A tend to be decreased, and hCG increased, with Down syndrome. The woman also will have a special ul
Related Questions
- If TDSHS requests a repeat newborn screen because the first results are equivocal or unsatisfactory, will the screening test kit be provided free of charge?
- ALBERTA ALREADY HAS A BREAST CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM CALLED SCREEN TEST. HOW WILL THIS PROVINCIAL PROGRAM BE DIFFERENT?
- How does the FlowPRA Screening Test compare to a cytotoxic screen?
