Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:03
Semiconductor Sequencing for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Published on: August 25, 2019
Maternal serum screening for Down syndrome: are women's perceptions changing?
M Gidiri1, J McFarlane, S Holding
1Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women and Children's Hospital, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK. fmgidiri@doctors.org.uk
Summary
Serum screening for Down syndrome uptake significantly decreased from 82.6% to 41.4% between 1993 and 2005. This decline in Down syndrome screening necessitates careful planning for future programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical screening programs
- Prenatal diagnostics
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Uptake trends for serum screening for Down syndrome have not been previously documented in the UK.
- A large hospital in Northern England has provided universal Down syndrome screening since 1992.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document trends in serum screening for Down syndrome.
- To analyze the uptake rates of Down syndrome screening over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of screening uptake rates.
- Analysis of data from 47,998 women undergoing antenatal care.
- Utilized a computer database for recorded screening results.
Main Results:
- Serum screening uptake for Down syndrome declined significantly from 82.6% in 1993 to 41.4% in 2005.
- Observed a slight upward trend in the age of women undergoing screening.
- Noted a significant increase in screen-positive rates.
Conclusions:
- The observed reduction in Down syndrome screening uptake requires consideration in future program planning.
- Encourages other healthcare units to review their screening uptake rates to identify broader trends.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...