The collected blood sample will be sent to a lab for testing the beta-hCG and PAPP-A levels in your body.
A doctor or a health care professional will remove a sample of your blood with the help of a syringe or a prick on your finger.
Please Note: For the nuchal translucency test, you may be advised to have a full bladder for better results in the ultrasound.īlood test: The blood test for the first trimester screening is no different from your other regular blood tests. a probe is sent through the vagina instead of from the outside on the abdomen as described above. The ultrasound can be performed transvaginally, i.e. This procedure requires a specially trained radiologist and equipment and, therefore, this procedure is not available everywhere. With the help of these images, the doctor can measure the thickness on the back of the baby’s neck area to determine the possibility of Down Syndrome. These images can be seen in the monitor attached to the machine. The sound waves that the device sends into the body will be reflected and send back which will be digitally converted into images. They will use a transducer (a device that is designed to send and receive sound waves) and gently move it over the applied gel on your abdomen. Nuchal translucency test: For the nuchal translucency test, the doctor or the ultrasonographer will spread a gel like substance on your abdomen. A diagnostic test needs to be performed to confirm the presence of the disorder. The first trimester screening cannot give a confirmation of the disorder in your child, it is only a risk assessment. These tests can help the doctor determine the chances that your baby has – of being born with certain genetic disorders like Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13), etc. When the results of these tests are combined, they are collectively called as the first trimester screening for genetic disorder.įirst trimester screening is also referred to as combined first trimester screening, first trimester screening for birth defects or simply the combined screening. Again this is basis what your doctor may prescribe for you. towards the end of the first trimester, the woman may need to undergo all the above tests to help doctor identify the risk of the baby being born with any birth defect.