Maternal serum screening tests

Maternal serum screening tests (see also screening test). A group of tests that measure proteins and hormones in your blood during pregnancy to determine the chance of having a baby affected with Down Syndrome, trisomy 18 or open neural tube defects.

Screen Positive Screening test results showing anincreased riskof having an affected baby. Your doctor will offer diagnostic testing to determine if your baby is affected with one of these birth defects.

Screen Negative Screening test results showing alow riskof having an affected baby. But, these screening tests don’t detect all affected pregnancies.