Based on the triple screen alone or combined with the ultrasound you may want to think about an amniocentesis to rule out Down syndrome. This test is very helpful for women who aren't sure whether they want an amniocentesis because it gives more precise risk assessment than age alone. In the past, using age alone we identified only about 1 in 5 Down syndrome fetuses before birth. With triple screening we can raise that to about two-thirds. Since Down syndrome fetuses have a high risk of problems like heart and intestinal abnormalities, correct prenatal identification can help with neonatal care, so triple screening can be helpful even for couples who would never consider abortion.
Most women get reassuring results from the triple screen.
About 1 in 20 younger women are told they need further testing by ultrasound and sometimes amniocentesis. Up to 1 in 4 older women are referred for ultrasounds and possibly an amniocentesis, but considering that there is a small risk of miscarriage with amniocentesis, that is better than our past practice of routinely doing amniocentesis on all women over 35. In a future column I'll talk about some exciting new developments for first trimester screening. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.