1st and 2nd Trimester Screening for Down Syndrome

Genetic Screening for Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18
Peninsula Ultrasound was the first facility on the Peninsula to provide Nuchal Translucency screening (NT ultrasound) with maternal biochemistries for first trimester screening for Down syndrome. We are accredited by the Fetal Medicine Foundation. Full Integrated screening through the California Prenatal Screening Program (pdf) is now available and is among the most sensitive screening tests for Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and open neural tube defects when combined with the second trimester maternal serum (Quad Marker Screening and Afp4).

Full Integrated Screening
Full Integrated Screening involves a nuchal translucency ultrasound and two maternal blood tests. This screen can provide you with a preliminary early report in the first trimester and the final result in the second trimester about your risk of Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and open neural tube defects. The sensitivity of Full Integrated Screening for the detection of Down syndrome is 90%.

Genetic counseling services are available for all patients to discuss their results and to obtain information about other testing including cystic fibrosis, Ashkenazi Jewish testing (Tay-Sachs), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amniocentesis, CVS. Genetic counseling is recommended for all women over 35.

We offer referrals for amniocentesis and CVS.