Question
Can a 3D ultrasound detect Down syndrome?
Answer
The Down syndrome screening test can only help determine the likelihood of a fetus having Down syndrome, but it cannot conclusively confirm whether the fetus has the condition. In other words, if blood test indicators are elevated, the chance of carrying a “Down” baby is higher, but it does not necessarily mean the fetus has an issue. Clinically, only about 1% of high-risk fetuses may be affected, but if a Down syndrome child is born without amniocentesis, it can be very detrimental to both the child and the family. 3D ultrasound can visualize whether the fetus has neural tube defects, and for high-risk glucose screening, amniocentesis must be performed, with the risk being less than 0.1%.