The Meaning of Low Risk in Down Syndrome Screening and the Explanation of AFP and HCG

Question

What does it mean by low risk in Down syndrome screening? What does low risk indicate in the results of AFP: 1.40, HCG: 5.14?

Answer

The results of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) indicate an extremely low risk of the fetus developing Down syndrome, with a probability of less than 1%. These substances do not represent the fetus’s organs but are important indicators for assessing the fetal health status.