Expansion of Down syndrome testing

Medical Laboratory Observer, March, 2007

Expansion of Down syndrome testing. With more accurate, less invasive technology available for Down syndrome testing in pregnant women, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is recommending that maternal age should no longer be a factor in determining whether a mother-to-be should be tested.

Available tests include a combination of first-trimester blood screening and detailed ultrasound of the fetal neck, and are over 80% accurate with few false-positives. ACOG experts believe routine prenatal use would detect more Down syndrome cases earlier.