Year 4 Foetal Medicine (CBL)

Question 1

What is the first line test used to screen for Down’s syndrome?

Answer 1

1st line = Combined test

Performed at 11-14 weeks gestation

Combines results from ultrasound and maternal blood tests.

Question 2

How is ultrasound used in the screening of Down’s Syndrome?

Answer 2

Ultrasound measures nuchal translucency, which is the thickness of the back of the neck of the fetus. Down’s syndrome is one cause of a nuchal thickness greater than 6mm.

Question 3

What do maternal blood tests show when screening for Down’s syndrome?

Answer 3

• Beta‑human chorionic gonadotrophin(beta-HCG) – ahigherresult indicates a greater risk
• Pregnancy‑associated plasma protein‑A (PAPPA) – alowerresult indicates a greater risk

Question 4

Inv for placenta praevia?

Answer 4

Transvaginal ultrasound
(TRANSVAGINAL)