NTD Laboratories, Inc.
403 Oakwood Road
Huntington Station, NY 11746
Phone: 1.888.NTDLABS (683.5227)
ntdlabs@perkinelmer.com
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NTD Laboratories, Inc.




What Data Is Available To Support First Trimester Screening?
The effectiveness of first trimester screening utilizing NT measurement and 2 biochemical markers; freebeta and PAPP-A has been proven in 20 worldwide studies totaling over 75,000 patients.

Click here for Published Studies

What Are The Most Effective Biochemical Markers For First Trimester Screening?
The most effective biochemical markers for first trimester screening are free beta hCG and pregnancy associated plasma protein A. Together these 2 markers can detect 60-65% of Down Syndrome cases. With the inclusion of nuchal translucency 91%1 of Down Syndrome cases can be detected with the screening procedure.

Is Total hCG An Effective Marker In First Trimester Screening?
Total hCG which is an effective marker in second trimester Down Syndrome screening is not effective in first trimester screening. To maximize the benefits of first trimester screening free Beta hCG must be used instead of total hCG.

Some laboratories which lack the technology to measure free Beta hCG are attempting to use total hCG in first trimester screening. These laboratories will detect significantly fewer cases of Down Syndrome than those laboratories using free Beta hCG. Free Beta hCG and total hCG are not the same. Make sure you are getting the protocol used in the BUN and FASTER studies.

* Footnotes

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