Patient's question:
All Symptoms: Last menstrual period was on October 11th, want to do a Down syndrome screening. Onset time and cause: I want to do a Down syndrome screening, don't know if I need to fast? Treatment situation: Down syndrome screening Desired help: I saw online that a Down syndrome screening includes 1 item and 2 items, respectively around 9 weeks and 17 weeks. I just want to know what is needed...Doctor's answer:
Do not eat before the Down syndrome screening, as blood tests taken on an empty stomach are more accurate. This is to rule out congenital abnormalities. After undergoing the Down syndrome screening, if the results are abnormal, it is necessary to proceed with prenatal diagnosis. The Down syndrome screening can also detect high-risk pregnant women for neural tube defects, 18-trisomy syndrome, and 13-trisomy syndrome. The Down syndrome screening consists of two parts:1. Maternal blood screening, which is what people usually refer to as "Down syndrome screening." Blood is drawn from the mother, and after being analyzed, a computer calculates the risk of Down syndrome.
2. Ultrasound screening. Through ultrasound, it can be determined whether the fetus has abnormalities or markers associated with Down syndrome. Since most Down syndrome children show some indication on ultrasound—either as abnormalities or markers such as strong echo spots in the heart, widened renal pelvis, or choroid cysts in the head. During the third month of pregnancy, blood tests (complete blood count), urine tests, liver function tests, kidney function tests, hepatitis B serology, and ultrasound are primarily conducted. At three months, you should establish a medical record at the hospital, so the doctor will notify you of scheduled tests. Currently, at three months, it is a bit early for the Down syndrome screening. You can wait another month before undergoing the test.