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Patient Education

Prenatal Screening Tests

Prenatal screening tests can identify women at high risk for having a baby with certain types of genetic disorders or birth defects. If a screening test indicates high risk for an abnormality, women have the option of undergoing diagnostic testing (CVS or amniocentesis) for a more definite diagnosis.

Several screening tests are available.

Sequential Integrated Screening

Sequential integrated screening is offered to all pregnant women by the state of California. This non-invasive screening is performed in two steps.

In the first step, which is performed between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, a blood sample is taken from the mother and a nuchal translucency ultrasound is performed to measure the amount of fluid at the back of the baby's neck. If the blood test is scheduled prior to the ultrasound, we can provide the results at the end of the ultrasound appointment. The results of the blood test, the nuchal translucency measurement and the mother's age are used to estimate the risk for Down syndrome and trisomy 18.

The second step is a maternal blood test between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. When the results of this blood test are combined with the results from the first trimester blood test and nuchal translucency ultrasound, the detection rate for Down syndrome increases. This test also provides a personal risk assessment for having a fetus with trisomy 18, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, an open neural tube defect or an abdominal wall defect. For later stages of pregnancy, modified screening tests are available.

Cell-Free DNA Screening

Cell-free DNA screening is a non-invasive test that screens for chromosome abnormalities by analyzing fragments of fetal DNA in the mother's bloodstream. It can be performed after 10 weeks of pregnancy. Currently, it is offered to women at increased risk of having a baby with chromosome abnormalities.

This method screens for trisomy 13, trisomy 18, trisomy 21 (more commonly known as Down syndrome) or a sex chromosome abnormality. The test's accuracy varies for each of these conditions.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Related clinics

Prenatal Diagnostic Center

1825 Fourth St., Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94158

(415) 476-4080
M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Recommended reading

FAQ: Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that can detect significant chromosome problems. Find frequently asked questions regarding Amniocentesis here.

Ashkenazi Jewish Carrier Testing

Screening is offered for eleven genetic disorders which are more common in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Learn more and book an appointment here.

FAQ: Carrier Testing for Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life threatening genetic diseases, affecting approximately 1 out of 3,300 people. Find more info and FAQs here.

Carrier Testing for Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation, affecting approximately 1 in 3,600 males and 1 in 6,000 females. Learn more here.

FAQ: Carrier Testing for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that results in progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. Learn more and find FAQs here.

FAQ: Cell-Free DNA Screening

A common complaint of hearing aid users is difficulty using cell phones with their hearing aids. Find strategies to help with this common issue here.

FAQ: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Like amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can detect significant chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome. Learn more and find FAQs about CVS here.

FAQ: Choroid Plexus Cysts

The presence of isolated choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) on a second trimester ultrasound is a common cause of anxiety. Find frequently asked questions about CPCs.

FAQ: Prenatal Tests

Commonly asked questions regarding Prenatal Tests including, types available, positive screenings, diagnostic testing, health insurance coverage, and more.

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Did you know?

In 2015, UCSF took part in what's believed to be the largest kidney transplant chain of its kind. Over 36 hours, 18 people donated or received a kidney at UCSF or California Pacific Medical Center. The history-making chain was set in motion by one man, when he volunteered to donate a kidney to a stranger.

Learn more
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