Maternal Serum Screening
Maternal serum screening uses a pregnant person’s blood, sometimes together with ultrasound findings, to estimate the chance of selected chromosomal conditions and neural-tube defects. It is a screening test, not a diagnostic test.
Common Screening Options
- First-trimester screening: Blood markers may be combined with a nuchal-translucency ultrasound.
- Second-trimester serum screening: A triple or quadruple marker panel can estimate the chance of selected chromosomal conditions; alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) contributes information about open neural-tube defects.
- Combined or sequential screening: Results from more than one stage of pregnancy may be interpreted together.
Understanding Results
Results are reported as a chance estimate. They are influenced by factors such as gestational age and clinical information supplied with the sample. A higher-chance result does not confirm a condition, and a lower-chance result does not exclude every condition.
Next Steps
Your obstetric clinician can explain the result and discuss whether ultrasound, cell-free DNA screening, genetic counselling, or diagnostic testing is appropriate.
Testing at Jaipur Molecular Lab
Contact our team to confirm the available screening panel, the appropriate collection window, sample requirements, and reporting timeline.
This information is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Discuss prenatal screening and diagnostic options with your obstetric clinician.