About Detecting Downs syndrome in the unborn fetus

Down's syndrome is the condition that is screened for the most in pregnant women because of the increased risk with the increasing age of mothers. This unit describes several bioanalytical tests, and how these are used in conjunction with scans to screen and diagnose the condition. After studying this unit you should be able to: explain the differences between screening and diagnosis identify the main physical and biological techniques used in screening for Downs syndrome appreciate the principles of assessing risk based on new information and how it is related to obtaining a revised risk factor for Downs syndrome assess the risks and benefits of diagnostic procedures for Downs syndrome such as amniocentesis and appreciate the ethical issues associated with screening and diagnosis understand the polymerase chain reaction technique.