Patient's question:
Prenatal screening for Down syndrome. Prenatal screening for Down syndrome. Prenatal screening for Down syndrome.Doctor's answer:
The Down syndrome screening involves extracting maternal serum and testing the concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and free estradiol in the maternal serum. It also considers factors such as the expected delivery date, weight, age, and gestational age at the time of blood collection to calculate the risk factors for congenital defects in the fetus. Generally, the screening methods "ultrasound" and "blood" are used around 10-14 weeks. Blood is collected between the 15th and 20th weeks to measure the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, free estradiol, and inhibin. Screening time: The optimal period is between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.