Screening test for open neural tube defects, Down syndrome, and trisomy 18.
Patient must have submitted a previous specimen in the first trimester for the Sequential 1 test. Gestational age will be based on crown rump length provided with the first trimester specimen.
Gold serum separator (SST) tube
Ambient (preferred) - 7 days
Refrigerated - 14 days
Frozen - 14 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - stable x3
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
An interpretive report will be provided
Sequential screening provides a first trimester risk assessment.
Following the Sequential 1 blood draw, the PAPPA-A, hCG, NT, and other provided demographics are used to give a risk for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. If the risk is greater than 1 in 45 for Down syndrome or 1 in 100 for T18, then it is considered screen positive and it is recommended to offer diagnostic testing. If the risks are less than those cut offs then it is recommended to draw for the Sequential 2.
After the 2nd draw, a new risk is calculated for Down syndrome, trisomy 18 and open spina bifida using data from the first and second draws.