Question
How much does it cost to undergo a Down syndrome screening during pregnancy?
Answer
Based on your description, Down syndrome screening is a necessary test during pregnancy. This is because the test primarily involves taking a blood sample from the pregnant woman to test the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in her serum, combined with her due date, weight, and gestational age at the time of blood draw, to estimate the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome. The best time for this test is between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. Results are typically available within one week after the test. If the initial screening shows a higher risk, further detailed examination is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Down syndrome screening can detect about 60-70% of babies with Down syndrome.