Q Who should have a Down’s syndrome screening test?

A Older women who have been offered prenatal diagnosis but are unsure about accepting it, and younger women, who would not normally be offered prenatal diagnosis. Both can use the test to decide what to do next.

Q Can maternal medical problems alter the Down’s result?

A Blood marker levels in insulin dependent diabetes are altered, particularly AFP, but we allow for this. Rarer problems may alter levels, so we need to know if you have one.

Q Is an ultrasound dating scan needed before screening?

A We can use the last menstrual period (LMP) date to estimate gestation and calculate MoMs. Gestational errors will distort the marker profile, so if there is doubt about the LMP a scan is preferred. CF screening is not gestation dependent.

Q There is no CF in my family so can I be a carrier?

A Most CF infants are born to couples with no family history.

Q Our other children are well so can this baby have CF?

A Having had unaffected children reduces the risk but is no guarantee against CF.

Q Does maternal age affect CF risk?

A No. Chromosomal anomalies are the only common disorders related to age.

Q I am not yet pregnant; can I be screened for CF?

A Yes. Genome will carry out tests on couples before pregnancy