What is the Ultra-Screen protocol?
Performed between 11 weeks, 1 day and 13 weeks, 6 days from date of conception, the Ultra-Screen® protocol consists of two procedures, an immunoassay blood screen and an ultrasound exam. The maternal blood sample undergoes analysis for two biochemical markers: free Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free Beta hCG); and pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). The ultrasound exam confirms gestational age and measures fluid accumulation behind the fetus’ neck, or nuchal translucency (NT).
These combined protocols yield the most reliable risk assessment at the earliest possible time frame…with a 91% detection rate for Down syndrome and a 5% false positive rate; and a 95% detection rate for trisomy 18/13 at a 0.3% false positive rate. (References)
- Early answers, early reassurance
- Enhanced point-of-care services
- Less administrative costs
- Thorough documentation
- Eliminates unnecessary diagnostic procedures
Incorporating a fetal nasal bone assessment within the Ultra-Screen® protocol increases detection rates to 95% with a false positive rate of just 2%, providing more sensitive detection rates and lower false positive rates than any other integrated, sequential or multi-trimester Down syndrome protocol. (References)
Logistical Benefits:
- No centrifugation or refrigeration necessary
- Eliminates the possibility of broken transport sample tubes
- Reduces the biohazard risk
- May also be done on venous blood samples
- Increases reporting reliability - blood sample, NT measurement and patient information are all on one card
Analytical Benefits:
- Stabilization of serum proteins
- Reduced analyte standard deviation
- Increased separation between affected and unaffected samples
- Separate twin reports