First-trimester combined screening: experience with an instant results approach

Mary E. Norton, Linda M. Hopkins, Sherri Pena, David Krantz, Aaron B. Caughey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to assess an instant results protocol for first-trimester combined screening. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of patients having first-trimester combined screening between Nov. 1, 2003 and Oct. 31, 2005. We evaluated the feasibility of patient self-collection and mail-in of blood samples before nuchal translucency ultrasound. Primary outcome was success with providing in-office, immediate screening results after the ultrasound. Predictor variables included age, ethnicity, insurance, and provider. The χ2 analysis was performed. Results: Two thousand three hundred ten women completed first-trimester combined screening, and 60.6% received instant results. When the biochemistry sample was collected at home, 80% received instant results. Age 35 years or older predicted instant results (P = .001), whereas ethnicity, insurance, and referring provider did not. Comparing the prior 24 months, clinic volume increased by 18%. Diagnostic procedure volume was unchanged, although chorionic villus sampling increased by 12% (P = .02) and amniocentesis decreased by 6% (P = .049). Conclusion: Patients were able to obtain instant results in 60.6% of cases, which appeared to increase the use of chorionic villus sampling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)606.e1-606.e5
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume196
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Down syndrome screening
  • first-trimester combined screening
  • nuchal translucency
  • prenatal diagnosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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