Maternal Serum Screening

A test that is done to give probability of a genetic disorder with the fetus based on a blood sample from mom.

16-18 week during the second trimester

To understand risk and see if there needs more medical intervention with the pregnancy. What Maternal Serum Screening Looks For
Downsyndrome- extra chromosome which causes developmental delays and heart problems
Trisomy 13 /18 - extra chromosome on their specific chromosome which causes severe birth defects in organ systems and brain development. Most commonly fatal within the first year after birth.

Sonograms are paired with this testing to help mesure fluid under the skin on the back of the neck to identify Nuchal Translusency, to determine if nasal bone is present or not.

A blood test. Doctor will first clean the site with disinfectant tab, then wrap a band around upper arm to reveal the vein. The needlework then be inserted on the inner arm towards the lower end of the elbow. The blood is taken to the lab for DNA testing.

Can help predict if the baby will have Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or nerual tube defects. If a higher risk is evident more testing would need to be done.

The test is a part of regular prenatal care to see if there is a higher risk of genetic abnormalities. It has a 96% accuracy rate.