Antenatal Screening for Down Syndrome and Other Conditions

Test Information

Test Name

Antenatal Screening for Down Syndrome and Other Conditions

Synonyms

Maternal Serum Screen; PAPP-A; Inhibin A; µE3; FreeB-hCG; AFP; Triple testing; Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A; MSS1; MSS 1; MSS2; MSS 2

Preferred Specimen

Extra SST

Testing Location

Referral

Collection Information

Preparation

  • Use dedicated "Antenatal Screening for Down Syndrome and Other Conditions" request form
  • Collection date details must be recorded on the request form
  • First trimester combined test is blood test plus Nuchal Translucency (NT). Blood must be taken between 9 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days gestation.
  • Second trimester blood test must be taken between 14 weeks and 20 weeks 6 days gestation.
  • Integrated test is blood tests in both the first and second trimesters plus Nuchal Translucency. The first trimester blood must be taken between 9 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days gestation and the second trimester blood between 14 weeks and 20 weeks 6 days gestation.

Processing Information

Registration Code

MST

Notes

  • Separate within 4 hours of collection; record SPUN time on request form

Site Specific Notes

- Tauranga

Send directly to referral laboratory

- Whakatane

Send directly to referral laboratory

- Rotorua

Send directly to referral laboratory

- Taupo

Send directly to referral laboratory

Methodology

Interpretations

View Interpretations

External Referral Information

Referral Location

National Screening Unit (LabPlus)

Send Away Transport

Frozen

External Lab Website

https://www.nsu.govt.nz/pregnancy-newborn-screening/antenatal-screening-down-syndrome-and-other-conditions/about-test