• Reproductive Genetics Institute / first trimester  screening •

This text is replaced by the Flash movie. FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING First Trimester Screenining is a recent advancement in prenatal care. Through the combination of a special ultrasound examination and a simple blood test, it is possible to identify pregnancies that have an increased risk of having a baby with a chromosome abnormality (such as Down syndrome), as well as other birth defects during the first trimester of pregnancy. The transabdominal ultrasound that usually performed, is the form of non-invasive testing and runs no risk of harming the fetus. During this exam, the gestational age is estimated (first trimester ultrasound is the best method for this), and a measurement is taken of the fluid thickness in the neck area (nuchal fold). In 80% of fetuses with chromosome abnormalities, the nuchal thickness is increased. It is expected that 4% of the participants will have a measuerment which indicates an increased risk of a fetus with Down syndrome or another chromosome problem. A simple blood test measures three chemicals found in the mothers's circulation; Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A), free beta hCG (human choriomic gonoditropin), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). The levels of these chemicals may indicate an increased or decreased risk of the fetus having chromosome abnormalities. Approximately 85% of pregnancies with chromosome problems are detected by this procedure. By combining the results of the ultrasound and blood test along with the age, race and weight of the mother, a number can be generated by computer which represents the risk of the pregnancy being affected by Down syndrome or another chromosome problem. Experience has shown that, together, the ultrasound and blood screen will identify approximately 90% of fetuses with chromosome abnormalities. Women must be between 10.5 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to have FTS performed. The optimal time to have both tests done simultaneously is between 10.5 and 12 weeks of pregnancy. Women ages 35 and over should be offered diagnostic testing based on age-related risk alone. UKRAINE, KYIV, 3d zoologicheskaya. st, 380 (44) 483 2384, 483-3356, 483 2386, 489 0665 (fax) [fts_ru.shtml] Institute Diagnostic Technology Contact us gallery forum