The first trimester serum screening test measures the concentrations of two substances in the blood: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A).
By combining the results of the serum screening test (10 week blood test) with the Nuchal Translucency measurement (12 week ultrasound) and the Mother's age and weight, a 'risk figure' can be given that your bub has Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) or Edward syndrome (Trisomy 18).
A change in the levels of these two proteins (hCG and PAPP-A) may indicate a higher chance of the baby having Down syndrome, or Edward syndrome.
The NT scan involves measuring the amount of fluid behind the baby's neck. An increased NT measurement can indicate that the baby has a chromosomal variation such as Down syndrome.
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