Question
After undergoing a Down Syndrome screening at a county-level medical facility and being informed of an abnormality, the patient is advised to visit a district-level maternal and child health care hospital for a follow-up confirmation. What is the approximate cost of undergoing a Down Syndrome follow-up examination?
Answer
Down Syndrome screening is a non-invasive testing method that is economical, convenient, and safe. It is recommended to be conducted between 14 to 18 weeks of pregnancy, requiring only a 2-milliliter blood sample from the pregnant woman. Results can be obtained within 2 to 3 weeks. If the serum screening results are positive, a amniocentesis is needed for confirmation and treatment. This test can also detect neural tube defects and Edward’s syndrome, and for high-risk pregnant women, it can detect Patau syndrome as well. Overall, the cost of Down Syndrome screening is not high.