Prenatal Screening Tests in Ahmedabad
Prenatal screening encompasses a structured programme of non-invasive tests that estimate the risk of chromosomal anomalies, structural defects, and pregnancy complications before or during pregnancy. At Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, our Fetal Medicine Unit offers the complete spectrum of prenatal screening investigations in a single facility — eliminating the need for referrals and ensuring seamless, continuity-of-care reporting.
First Trimester Combined Screening (11–13+6 Weeks)
The gold-standard non-invasive aneuploidy screen combines nuchal translucency (NT) measurement via ultrasound with maternal serum PAPP-A and free β-hCG. When combined with maternal age and other ultrasound markers (nasal bone, tricuspid regurgitation, ductus venosus), the detection rate for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is approximately 90% with a 5% false-positive rate. All NT measurements at our unit are performed by trained, accredited sonologists following FMF protocols.
TIFFA / Anomaly Scan (18–22 Weeks)
The TIFFA (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) or Level II anomaly scan is the most comprehensive single investigation in the antenatal programme. It evaluates all major fetal structures systematically — cranium, face, spine, heart, lungs, diaphragm, abdominal wall, abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder, and all four limbs — as well as placental location, umbilical cord insertion, amniotic fluid, and cervical length. Fetal echocardiography is incorporated for high-risk patients (prior CHD, maternal diabetes, abnormal NT, first-trimester cardiac markers). Our Fetal Medicine specialists perform this scan on Voluson E10 platform with real-time reporting.
Quadruple Marker Test (15–22 Weeks)
Serum AFP, hCG, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A are measured to calculate Down syndrome and neural tube defect risk using gestational age-adjusted MoM values. This is particularly useful for women who could not access NT scan in the first trimester or had a suboptimal scan, and as an addition to first-trimester screening to increase overall detection rates.
NIPT — Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (from 10 Weeks)
Cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) analysis of maternal blood — available from 10 weeks — provides a highly sensitive (>99% for Trisomy 21) screen for common aneuploidies (Trisomy 21, 18, 13) and sex chromosome anomalies. NIPT is not a diagnostic test — a positive result requires confirmation by invasive testing (CVS or amniocentesis with karyotyping). We arrange NIPT through accredited laboratory partners and provide full pre- and post-test counselling as part of our Fetal Medicine service.
Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis
When screening results indicate high risk or when a structural anomaly is detected, invasive diagnostic options include chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at 11–14 weeks or amniocentesis at 15–22 weeks. These allow definitive karyotyping, chromosomal microarray, and targeted molecular diagnosis. Referral to our Fetal Medicine specialist and coordination with a genetic counsellor is arranged for all patients who require invasive testing.
Pre-Eclampsia Risk Screening (11–13+6 Weeks)
FIGO-endorsed first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening combines maternal history, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index, and serum PAPP-A to identify women at high risk for preterm pre-eclampsia. Those in the high-risk category are offered aspirin 150 mg at bedtime from before 16 weeks — reducing preterm pre-eclampsia by over 60% in the ASPRE trial. This is a core component of our first-trimester assessment.
Book prenatal screening: Call +91 +91 97234 31544 | Balaji Horizon Women’s Hospital, Science City Road, Ahmedabad.