Patient's question:
NoDoctor's answer:
The Down syndrome screening test can only be performed between weeks 15 and 21 of pregnancy. It is primarily used to determine the likelihood of the baby having Down syndrome, but the results should only be used as a reference and not as a definitive diagnosis. Additionally, whether or not you need this test is determined by your doctor based on your health condition. The test involves a blood draw, which is usually done alongside other blood tests. The results are then combined with your recent ultrasound to assess the risk for the baby.1. When calculating the gestational age using the last menstrual period, ovulation period, or ultrasound, and the results differ among these methods, which data should be used as the standard? Because the data varies, the results of the Down syndrome screening test may be completely different.
2. Additionally, when undergoing the Down syndrome screening test, should age be calculated based on completed years from the time of conception or the estimated due date (actual age) or based on lunar years from the time of conception or the estimated due date (lunar age)? How much does the screening result differ when there is a one to two-year difference between these two methods?