Ultrascreen Test
Performed at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, the Ultrascreen involves measuring the skin thickness of the fetal neck (known as the nuchal translucency or NT) combined with a blood test. The Ultrascreen assesses the risk of Down Syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities as compared to the patient’s age-related risk. In many cases the risk assessment after the Ultrascreen may be lower than the age-related risk. For example, if a woman’s age-related risk is 1 in 300 for Down Syndrome, her risk may be assessed at 1 in 3,000 after the Ultrascreen. It’s important to remember that the Ultrascreen does not replace an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) , which will give an actual number of chromosomes of the developing fetus.
According to European researchers, the Ultrascreen is the “most accurate and earliest prenatal screening available. The blood test alone (performed between 9 to 14 weeks) detects for 68 percent of Down Syndrome cases and 90 percent of Trisomy 18 cases. Combining the blood test with the NT increases detection to 91 percent for Down Syndrome, 97 percent for trisomy 18, 40 percent of heart defects, and some other birth defects.” Test results can usually be obtained in five to seven working days.
The test was developed and is monitored by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) in cooperation with Genecare Medical Genetics Center. A FMF-certified sonologist or sonographer performs the ultrasound. The certification and re-certification process is very specific and demands excellent technical skills. DVIF&G;'s sonographers have been performing the test since early 2005.
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