Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • The maternal serum screening test is a blood test offered to pregnant women.
  • It helps to inform them of the chance of their unborn child having Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or a neural tube defect. 
  • The test may be performed at around 10 weeks (combined first trimester screening test) or between 14 and 20 weeks (second trimester maternal serum screening test). 
  • In most cases that are identified as ‘increased chance’, the baby does not have Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or a neural tube defect.
  • Non-invasive pre-natal testing (NIPT) is a newer test that will inform nearly all pregnancies affected by Down syndrome, Edward syndrome and Patau syndrome.

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Reviewed on: 01-04-2022