Abstract
Objective
To describe any trends in the uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome since
the addition of the earlier first trimester combined test.
Study design
All antenatal screening tests for Down's syndrome were carried out and their results
were recorded by the Clinical Biochemistry Department at the Hull Royal Infirmary
(HRI) and reviewed against the antenatal booking data held at the Women and Children's
Hospital at HRI. The uptake of antenatal Down's syndrome screening for 5 different
age groups of women across a four-year-period from 2007 to 2010 was analysed.
Results
There was a significant increase in uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome
from 43.9% to 56.5% after the introduction of the combined test in 2010. This increase
was apparent in all age groups. There was no change in the proportion of women opting
for an invasive test following a positive screening test.
Conclusion
Addition of the earlier first trimester combined test has increased uptake of antenatal
screening for Down's syndrome in women of all ages. This is most likely due to the
advantages this test gives women such as earlier decision making, earlier further
invasive diagnostic testing and earlier termination, if necessary.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 01, 2011
Accepted:
July 14,
2011
Received in revised form:
July 8,
2011
Received:
March 7,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
