Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • The maternal serum screening test is a blood test offered to pregnant women.
  • It helps to inform them of the chance of their unborn child having Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or a neural tube defect. 
  • The test may be performed at around 10 weeks (combined first trimester screening test) or between 14 and 20 weeks (second trimester maternal serum screening test). 
  • In most cases that are identified as ‘increased chance’, the baby does not have Down syndrome, Edward syndrome or a neural tube defect.
  • Non-invasive pre-natal testing (NIPT) is a newer test that will inform nearly all pregnancies affected by Down syndrome, Edward syndrome and Patau syndrome.

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 01-04-2022