Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Semiconductor Sequencing for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Published on: August 25, 2019
First-trimester combined screening: experience with an instant results approach
Mary E Norton1, Linda M Hopkins, Sherri Pena
1Division of Perinatal Medicine and Genetics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Objective:
This study was undertaken to assess an instant results protocol for first-trimester combined screening.
Study Design:
Retrospective analysis of patients having first-trimester combined screening between Nov. 1, 2003 and Oct. 31, 2005. We evaluated the feasibility of patient self-collection and mail-in of blood samples before nuchal translucency ultrasound. Primary outcome was success with providing in-office, immediate screening results after the ultrasound. Predictor variables included age, ethnicity, insurance, and provider. The chi2 analysis was performed.
Results:
Two thousand three hundred ten women completed first-trimester combined screening, and 60.6% received instant results. When the biochemistry sample was collected at home, 80% received instant results. Age 35 years or older predicted instant results (P = .001), whereas ethnicity, insurance, and referring provider did not. Comparing the prior 24 months, clinic volume increased by 18%. Diagnostic procedure volume was unchanged, although chorionic villus sampling increased by 12% (P = .02) and amniocentesis decreased by 6% (P = .049).
Conclusion:
Patients were able to obtain instant results in 60.6% of cases, which appeared to increase the use of chorionic villus sampling.
