
- #Sequential testing pregnancy vs quad screen update
- #Sequential testing pregnancy vs quad screen plus
I spoke to the geneticist and she explained the NIPT is very accurate for DS but not diagnostic.
#Sequential testing pregnancy vs quad screen update
There is a similar chance of miscarriage compared to amniocentesis when performed by an experienced provider.ĭiagnostic tests are 100% accurate for the chromosomal tests they perform.UPDATE 1/26: Thought I would update in case it would help others. There is a small chance of miscarriage (1 in every 400 procedures)Ĭhorionic villus sampling, CVS (10-14 weeks): A procedure in which a small sample of cells is collected from the placenta. If you have any trouble, reach out to our office manager.ĭiagnostic Tests (invasive): Amniocentesis (15-20 weeks): A procedure in which a needle is used to withdraw and test a small amount of amniotic fluid and cells from the sac surrounding the fetus. When there is a coverage issue, we will work with you to appeal through your insurance or to work with the laboratory to manage the costs.
#Sequential testing pregnancy vs quad screen plus
Most insurance carriers now cover this test for all pregnancies and the cost to patients is less than previous first trimester screening: on average and NT plus blood screening costs $800-900, NIPT on average costs about $700. We order it as a routine on all patients in all pregnancies and make sure to use the most cost effective lab for your testing. NIPT has increasingly become the norm for genetic screening, even in low risk women. 2nd trimester screening is still recommended due to its additional risk assessment for neural tube defects and a rare metabolic disease. Lab names for NIPT include MaterniT21, VisibiliT, Counsyl Informed Pregnancy Screen, Panorama, and Harmony.įor those patients that elect to perform NIPT, it replaces the need for 1st trimester screening. Patients who receive a positive result will be referred for genetic counseling and diagnostic testing. While results of this testing are highly accurate (99%), a negative test result does not ensure an unaffected pregnancy, and not all chromosomal abnormalities can be tested. Certain enhanced tests for high-risk patients can also screen for microdeletions responsible for rare, hereditary syndromes. With good accuracy it can test for Trisomy 21 (99%), Trisomy 18 (99%), Trisomy 13 (92%), and sex chromosomes (99%) to determine sex-chromosome related disorders and also to report gender.

Fetal gender is also evaluated.Īlso known as cell-free DNA, fetal DNA can be isolated from the mother’s blood as early as 10 weeks during pregnancy. Views obtained include the fetal head and spine, chest, heart, abdomen, and urinary tract. The second trimester anatomy scan, typically done between 18-20 weeks, is a detailed ultrasound examining fetal anatomy. With high quality ultrasound we are able to identify birth defects that my require attention before or after birth. If the 2nd trimester screen is done alone (no first trimester screen) it has a detection rate of 81%. Second trimester screen (Quad screen): blood test drawn at 15- 20 weeks. It measures the back of the baby’s neck. 1st trimester screen alone has a detection rate of 82-87%.

This is a special ultrasound performed by clinicians with special training. The overall detection rate for Down Syndrome is 94-96%.įirst trimester screen: combines a 1st trimester blood test (10 weeks – 13 weeks 6 days) and ultrasound (Nuchal translucency, NT at 11-14 weeks). This combines results from a first trimester and second trimester screen. At El Camino Women’s Medical Group, our goal is to help you determine if your baby is at increased risk of birth defects, and to offer you the appropriate testing with which you are comfortable. Knowing whether you baby is at risk of or has a birth defect beforehand allows you to prepare for having a child with a particular disorder and organize the medical care your child may need. If a screening test shows an increased risk of a birth defect, diagnostic tests may be done to determine if a specific birth defect is present.Īlthough screening tests are offered to all pregnant women, it is your choice to have them done.


Screening tests can assess the baby’s risk of having Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems, as well as neural tube defects. Birth defects can affect a baby’s appearance, body function, and development. These defects are often caused by chromosomal abnormalities, in which there can be an absent or extra chromosome. The purpose of genetic screening is to identify risk for birth defects.
