

Too-high and too-low levels of AFP are both linked to some birth defects. Similarly, SST also measures the amount of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the liver of the baby which passes over into the mother’s blood. A low level PAPP-A indicates a higher risk for developing neural tube defects. Sequential screening test (SST) is used to measure pregnancy related plasma protein (PAPP-A).

On the other hand, the ultrasound process is done in the 11th and 13th week of pregnancy with focus on the fluid-filled space in the back of the neck of the baby to check for nuchal translucency.
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This test being done n the first and second trimesters offer precision in the sequential screening test. The one involving blood usually takes place twice the first is from 11th to 13th week of pregnancy while the second is usually done in the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy. The screening is effective in detecting Down syndrome and trisomy 18 which are prominent chromosomal abnormalities. Processes involve in the sequential screening testĪs said earlier, the test involves the use of blood and ultrasound scan. This condition brings about abnormalities in the growth of the baby. Sequential screening is a group of tests involving the use of blood and ultrasound to examine genetic abnormalities and defects of the neural tube of the fetus in a pregnant woman.ĭuring pregnancy, the proteins and hormones produced by the fetus move into the blood of the mother while the mother on her own also produces additional hormones and proteins to support the growth of the baby.
