Question
How do you interpret the results of a Down syndrome screening?
Answer
Down syndrome screening involves testing the levels of alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin in the mother’s blood, combined with the mother’s age, weight, and gestational age, to estimate the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome. This screening is typically conducted between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy, with results categorized as low risk or high risk. A low-risk result indicates a lower probability of the fetus having Down syndrome, but it does not completely rule out the risk. A high-risk result suggests the need for further testing, such as amniocentesis or non-invasive prenatal testing, to determine the fetus’s health status. The screening results only provide a risk assessment and should not be used as a definitive diagnosis.