New first trimester blood test? « Back to Group Discussions

[lizzie28]

I have read about a very new blood test for Down Syndrome, and it is done during the first trimester.  Has anyone heard about this?  I plan to ask my doctor at my upcoming appointment.  

[kawa kamuri]

Are you thinking about the one done along side the NT scan? 

[Mamabeakley]

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/firstscreen.html - pretty thorough description.  

[lizzie28]

Actually, this one is different and very new.  I've read that it is now available in every city.  Here are a few links:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2011/10/18/down-syndrome-blood-test.html 

http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2012/01/new_down_syndrome_blood_test_p.html

[Mamabeakley]

Hm.  One of those links didn't work for me, and the other was pretty clearly written by or at the instigation of a specific medical practice.  When I google MaterniT21, which is the test's name, all the info is from the developer.  While it is certainly not an invasive test, I'd probably want to see some info about it from folks other than the people selling it to understand it's true value better.  I would imagine it would also be VERY expensive, since it involves the actual DNA.

[lizzie28]

Yes, I wish there was more information as well.  However, the test is extremely new.  There are several interesting links on the Babycenter forums, one of which is here (hope it works):

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a31840675/post_here_if_you_have_had_the_test.

[lizzie28]

Hopefully this link works!  

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/10/18/safer-down-syndrome-test-to-hit-market-monday/