Useful For

α-Fetoprotein, serum; dimeric inhibin A (DIA); human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); unconjugated estriol (uE3). Screening test for open neural tube defects (detects 80% open spina bifida, 90% anencephaly), Down syndrome (detects 75% to 80%), and trisomy 18 (detects 73%)

The following information must be provided: gestational age, date on which the patient was the stated gestational age, how gestational age was determined (LMP, EDD, US), patient's weight, patient's date of birth, patient's race (white, black, other), and insulin-dependent diabetic status. Also indicate relevant patient history (eg, prior neural tube defects, Down syndrome, ultrasound anomalies, or previous maternal serum screening specimen during this pregnancy). Complete information is necessary to interpret the test. Patient information may be provided to the laboratory using The Maternal Prenatal Screening requisition form 0900. Specimens must be collected before amniocentesis.

Down syndrome screening is offered for gestational ages 15.0 to 21.9 weeks. Open spina bifida screening is offered for gestational ages 15.0 to 23.9 weeks. The optimal gestational age for open spina bifida screening is 16.0 to 18.9 weeks.