First Trimester Prenatal Screening Now Available

A screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy can help doctors identify patients who have a high risk of having babies with certain chromosomal disorders such as Down's Syndrome or Trisomy 18.

UT Medical Group reproductive geneticist Dr. Owen Phillips is now offering the Ultra-Screen® prenatal screening, which is performed between 11 weeks, 0 days and 13 weeks, 6 days of the pregnancy.

The screening uses an ultrasound and blood work to detect over 90 percent of Downs Syndrome and Trisomy 18 defects with false-positive rate of 2.5 percent. An abnormal test may be associated with some heart defects and other abnormalities.

If the screening reveals a high risk of chromosomal defects, additional tests such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis may be recommended.

Ultra-Screen® is most appropriate for women under the age of 35 with no family history of chromosomal abnormalities. However, UTMG will also offer the screening, after appropriate counseling, to women age 35 and older.

Dr. Phillips offers the Ultra-Screen® at UTMG’s Germantown office, 7945 Wolf River Blvd., and at 880 Madison in the Medical Center. To make a patient referral or to obtain more information, call 901-347-8330.