Why get tested?
For a pregnant mother to assess the chance of her baby being born with an abnormality such as Down syndrome or spina bifida.

When to get tested?
Screening is available for Down syndrome in some centres from the 10^th week of pregnancy (first trimester screening 10 weeks to 13 weeks 6 days). In most centres women will be offered screening at about the 15^th week (second trimester screening 15 weeks to 22 weeks 6 days).

Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm. For the first trimester sceening, the results from the laboratory may be combined with the results from an ultrasound scan to improve the overall effectiveness of the screening test.