These are the series of tests conducted between 11 weeks and one day and 13 weeks and six days. By combining ultrasound and blood test measurements, their purpose is to determine the chances that a fetus may be affected by one of the most common abnormalities observed at birth: Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 and other chromosomal abnormalities.
The measurement of the NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY is the ultrasound component. During this session, a series of measurements will be taken by the radiologist or the technologist, including the evaluation of the thickness of soft tissue in the fetus’ neck and the measurement of the nasal bone, when possible.
During this session, you’ll see your unborn child moving! You can see its entire body, four limbs and face in profile. It’s important to clarify that the sex can’t always be determined at this stage, depending on the positioning of the fetus, and it’s not 100% accurate. You’ll have to wait until the ultrasound after 20 weeks for confirmation. You can hear your child’s developing heart and will leave with some pictures !
Two different types of BLOOD SAMPLES are taken: the PRENATEST and the INTEGRATED TEST.
Quick and straightforward, the PRENATEST method involves a fetal ultrasound and a few drops of blood taken from the tip of the patient's finger. The test is designed for all pregnant women, regardless of age, and does not pose any danger to the mother or to the fetus. The prenatest is conducted during the 1st trimester between 11 weeks and and one day and 13 weeks and six days with an accuracy of 95%. Only one single visit is necessary. For more information: www.prenatest.ca/en/
The INTEGRATED TEST requires two visits. The first test is done between 11 weeks and 3 days and 13 weeks and 6 days, during which an ultrasound (nuchal translucency) and a blood test (at the bend of the elbow) will be performed. A second visit will be required for a second blood sample between 15 weeks and 20 weeks and 6 days. The accuracy of this test is 93%.
For the integrated test, the ultrasound will be done at Écho-Médic, and the blood testing at another laboratory. |
