Test Entry - Detail

Maternal Serum Screening

General

Clinical Use:

An antenatal maternal serum screening programme for the detection of Down Syndrome and some other fetal anomalies.
Testing is able to be done between 9 weeks and 19 weeks 6 days of pregnancy.

First trimester screen (9 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days) - free beta-hCG and PAPP-A are combined with an ultrasound nuchal translucency measurement.

Second trimester screen (14 weeks to 19 weeks 6 days) - AFP, free beta-hCG and unconjugated Oestriol (UE3) are used without ultrasound.

Availability:

Samples are tested Monday-Thursday.

Aliases/Synonyms:

AFP (Maternal Serum Screening), AFP, Free Beta-HCG and Oestriol (unconjugated), Bhcg (Maternal Serum Screening), Down Syndrome Screening, First Trimester Screening, Free BhCG, FTS, Maternal Serum Screening , MSS, PAPP-A, PAPP-A and Free Beta-HCG, Second Trimester Screening, Triple Test, Trisomy Screen, UE3, AFP and Free Beta-HCG,

Code:

MSS

Handling Instructions (to laboratory):

Send sample chilled.

Hyperlink:

Reference Interval:

Refer to report or laboratory

Collection Requirements

Container:

Serum Sep. Tube-SST (GOLD),

Sample Type:

See container

Minimum Collection Volume:

Collection Instructions:

Serum must be collected between 9 weeks and 19 weeks 6 days gestation.
Please note on request form:
Gestational age
Ultrasound location
Patient weight
If sample will not reach laboratory within 4 hours of collection, it must be centrifuged. (And separated if non-gel sample).

Processing Requirements

Alternate Containers:

Serum, no gel (RED)

Processing Instructions:

Centrifuge sample as soon as possible. Separate if non-gel sample.

Minimum Assay Volume:

5mL

Stability:

5 days chilled

Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):

Send sample chilled.

Testing Locations

Performed at:

Section	Department	Site	Contact Phone
Special Chemistry	Biochemistry	QEII Medical Centre	6383 4114

Last Updated : 25-03-2024 10:27