Integrated Screening

Integrated Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities and Specialized Prenatal Care

Integrated screening combines measurements from a nuchal translucency ultrasound and two blood tests to evaluate the chances of your developing baby having Down syndrome.

Unlike your first trimester assessment which also screens for Down syndrome, it will also determine if there is an increased chance of Spina bifida.

Integrated screening prenatal testing has been known to be extremely effective in identifying chromosomal abnormalities and genetic defects. Studies reveal that it leads to the detection of approximately:

• 92% of Down syndrome cases
• 90% of trisomy 18 cases
• 80% of open neural tube defects such as Spina bifida

(Detection rate estimates for Integrated Genetics maternal serum screening tests are based on US and international studies.)

South Florida Perinatal Medicine offers integrated screening by experienced sonographers and phlebotomist at several offices located in the Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Springs area. A warm and caring environment allows you to get the testing you need in a comfortable manner.

Request an appointment for integrated screening today. South Florida Perinatal Medicine has many convenient locations to serve you.

Integrated Screening and Prenatal Care by Experienced Perinatologists

The dedicated and experienced perinatologists at South Florida Perinatal Medicine are committed to providing the highest standards of healthcare to pregnant women and their children. Whether it is an Integrated screening or whatever other type of prenatal genetic testing you choose, we focus on giving you the specialized prenatal care you need and want.

We also have genetic counselors on our team who will explain your risks and prenatal testing and treatment options so that you can make informed decisions (Appointment required for genetic Counseling)

How does the integrated screening test work?

• In both the first (approximately 11 to 13 weeks) and second trimester (approximately 15 to 21 weeks) of your pregnancy, a small amount of your blood is drawn and certain proteins and hormones are measured.
• These proteins and hormones are made by your body, the developing baby and the placenta, and are found in every pregnant woman’s blood.
• When a fetus is at risk for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect, the amount of these proteins may be abnormal.
• The results of a special ultrasound measurement, called nuchal translucency (NT), are combined with the blood test results to yield the final screening assessment.
• The result “screen negative” means there is a low risk of your baby having Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect. However, in approximately 10% - 20% of pregnancies, these birth defects will not be detected through screening.
• The result “screen positive” means there is an increased risk of your baby having Down syndrome, trisomy 18 or an open neural tube defect. It does not mean your baby has a birth defect. In fact, most women who have positive screening results have healthy babies.
• The next step is to talk with your doctor and/or genetic counselor about your results and your diagnostic prenatal genetic testing options.

Some factors influencing your integrated screening results are:

• Exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy when the blood sample is taken and the ultrasound is performed
• Your weight, ethnic background and age
• Whether you are an insulin-dependent diabetic.
• Whether you have had a previous pregnancy or a close relative has been affected with chromosomal abnormalities or genetic defect

Integrated screening helps doctors to identify a pregnancy that holds high risk for abnormalities in women who should be offered additional genetic prenatal testing like amniocentesis.

Call South Florida Perinatal Medicine to schedule an integrated screening test at a location near you.

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