Prenatal Screening Tests — First and Second Trimester
Prenatal screening identifies pregnancies at higher risk of chromosomal or structural conditions — without making a diagnosis. Screening tests give probability information; diagnostic tests give yes-or-no answers. Understanding that distinction is critical to making informed decisions. We discuss screening in plain language, present the options (combined first-trimester screening, NIPT, second-trimester serum, anomaly scan as a screening modality), and ensure every patient understands what each test does and doesn’t answer.
Our approach to screening
Screening is offered, not imposed. We explain the full menu of options, present the strengths and limitations of each, and respect the patient’s informed decision — including the decision not to screen. Where screening is positive, our follow-up pathway (counselling, diagnostic test discussion, multidisciplinary referral) is structured and unhurried.
First-trimester combined screening
NT scan (between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks) combined with maternal serum biomarkers (PAPP-A, free beta-hCG) gives the conventional combined risk for trisomy 21, 18, and 13. Performed to FMF standards.
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test)
Cell-free fetal DNA testing from maternal blood. High sensitivity and specificity for the common trisomies. We explain the test’s limitations honestly — it is a screening test, not diagnostic, and positive results require confirmation by amniocentesis or CVS.
Anomaly scan as a screening modality
The second-trimester anomaly scan is the primary screen for structural conditions. The detection rates for major anomalies vary by structure and equipment; we publish realistic numbers, not aspirational ones.
Genetic screening + counselling
Where indicated by family history, ethnic background, or screening findings, more focused genetic counselling and testing pathways open. We integrate these with our fetal medicine practice.
Screening topics
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test) in Ahmedabad
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Prenatal Genetic Testing in Ahmedabad | Balaji Horizon
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Guidelines we follow
- ISUOG screening guidelines
- ACOG / RCOG / FIGO consensus on prenatal screening
- NIPT clinical implementation guidance
Where this fits
Screening sits alongside scans. Positive screening results may direct toward invasive procedures for diagnostic confirmation, with discussion of the conditions involved.
For a specialist fetal medicine consultation, contact Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital.
WhatsApp the hospital · +91 97234 31544 · Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
First-trimester combined screening (NT + maternal serum markers + maternal age) is the standard contingent approach. NIPT may be combined or used independently per local protocols and patient preference.
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Explore the Fetal Medicine Programme
Prenatal Screening Tests is part of the broader fetal medicine programme. The main fetal medicine pillar covers the complete pregnancy ultrasound schedule.
Pregnancy screening — informed choices, not pressure
Screening estimates the chance of certain conditions; it does not diagnose them. This section covers the main options — the combined first-trimester test, NIPT and the anomaly scan — each answering a different question at a different stage of pregnancy.
Screening vs diagnosis
A screening result that raises a chance is not a diagnosis; the next step would be a diagnostic test that gives certainty. We make sure you understand what each test detects, how accurate it is, and what a result would lead to, before you decide whether to have it.
Screening is always your choice. Our role is balanced, non-directive information so that your decisions reflect your own values — explore the options here, and we will talk them through with you individually.
Dr. Priyadatt Patel
Senior Gynecologist · Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon · IVF and Endometriosis Programme Lead
MS OBGyn · Pregnancy Care · Advanced Gynaecological Ultrasound · Fertility Preservation
ESHRE / ESGE / AAGL / ASRM guideline-aligned practice. 3D Karl Storz precision technique. Fertility-preservation-first philosophy. Evidence-based decisions, honest counselling, long-term outcomes orientation.
Science City Road, Ahmedabad 380060
Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 · +91 97234 31544
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
Mon–Sat 08:30–10:30 · +91 70460 02566
