Prenatal Screening

CDL Laboratories offers prenatal screening to pregnant women. Prenatal screening includes ultrasound and blood testing in order to determine if the pregnancy is at a higher risk for a particular birth defect.

A simple blood test, combined with the patient’s first trimester ultrasound results can help detect up to 85% of chromosomal abnormalities or birth defects, including Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and trisomy 18. This analysis is performed between 11.4 and 13.6 weeks of pregnancy and includes the following parameters: beta hCG and PAPP-A proteins analysis. This test must be performed in conjunction with a Nuchal Translucency measurement (first trimester ultrasound).

In order to obtain optimal results, it is recommended to perform another blood test during the second trimester. This test is done between 15.3 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. There are two types of analyses available for the second trimester screening:

  1. Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screen, 3 markers
    This test includes the following parameters: beta hCG, Estriol (E3) and Alphafetoprotein (AFP)
    This test has a 71% detection rate and a 5% false positive rate.
  2. Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screen, 4 markers
    This test includes the following parameters: beta hCG, Inhibine A, Estriol (E3) and Alphafetoprotein (AFP)
    This test has a 78% detection rate and a 5% false positive rate.

Integrated Screening

The integrated screen is performed in two stages:

The first stage consists of a blood test and an ultrasound which measures Nuchal Translucency thickness. This test is ideally performed between 11.4 and 13.6 weeks of pregnancy. At the end of the exam, the patient receives a card with her next appointment date.

The second stage consists of a blood test performed between 15.3 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The integrated Maternal Serum Screen combined with a Nuchal Translucency ultrasound has a 95% detection rate and a 5% false positive rate. No results will be given after the first trimester screening.

Available Tests

  • Blood tests:
    • 1st Trimester Maternal Serum Screen
    • 2nd Trimester Maternal Serum Screen, 3 Markers
    • 2nd Trimester Maternal Serum Screen. 4 Markers
    • Integrated 1st & 2nd Maternal Serum Screen
  • Ultrasounds:
    • Viability, dating
    • 1st Trimester ultrasound (Nuchal Translucency)
    • 2nd Trimester ultrasound
    • 3rd Trimester ultrasound

Ultrasound for twins also available.
Multimedia: Pictures, videotapes and 3D CD-ROM available.

  • Other ultrasounds:
    • Pelvic
    • Endovaginal
    • Endovaginal & Pelvic

An appointment is required for any ultrasound exam.
Please call (514) 344-8022 extension 333 to schedule an appointment.

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