|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
PRENATAL SCREENING
The activities of the Prenatal Screening Section (PSS) are focused on detecting birth defects during
pregnancy. PSS is working to reduce the occurrence of birth defects and disability by offering prenatal screening and follow-up services to
pregnant women in California.
The PSS administers the Expanded AFP (XAFP) Screening Program, which is also called "quad marker
testing." The XAFP Screening Program provides pregnant women with a risk assessment for open neural tube defects (NTD), abdominal wall
defects, Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 and SLOS (Smith-Lemli-Opitz
Syndrome) through a blood test. Women who are at high risk based on the screening test results are
offered follow-up services at State-approved Prenatal Diagnosis Centers (PDCs). Services offered
at these Centers include genetic counseling, ultrasound, and amniocentesis. Participation in the screening testing and follow-up services is
voluntary. The cost of the testing is $162.
|
|
