Question
When can I test for Down syndrome? How much does the test cost, and how long does it take to perform?
Answer
Generally, the best time for Down syndrome screening is between the 15th to 20th week of pregnancy. The purpose of conducting a Down syndrome screening during pregnancy is to detect early on whether the fetus has a possibility of having Down syndrome. As there is no effective treatment for Down syndrome at present, it is recommended that all pregnant women undergo a Down syndrome screening. If the fetus is confirmed to have the condition, termination of pregnancy can be considered. It’s important to note that Down syndrome screening is only a test to determine the likelihood of the fetus having Down syndrome; it is not a definitive diagnosis. Even if the test results are positive, there is no need to worry excessively. Further examination should be conducted at a large hospital to obtain a final diagnosis.