Amniocentesis – an invasive test

The AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein) test to indicate Down’s syndrome and neural tube defects has been available for a long time. A Double test, measuring two ‘indices’, was then developed for similar abnormalities. This was followed by the Triple test, an extension of the AFP test, but much more effective at determining risk. Now a Quadruple test, relatively new, and certainly one of the most accurate, has been developed for determining Down’s syndrome ‘risk’. This is not yet available in all areas. So, watch this space for further developments.

Choosing to have an invasive diagnostic test is difficult – the early weeks of excitement about being pregnant are spoiled, very suddenly, by the worry over whether to have a test that could put your baby at risk. You have to balance this risk against the risk of miscarriage and what you would do if the test detected some form of abnormality. Never be rushed into having it and take your time thinking through all aspects of the test.