Specimen Required

Specimen #1 collection must occur between 10 weeks, 0 days and 13 weeks, 6 days gestation. (If gestational age is based on Crown-Rump length (CRL), the specimen must be collected when the CRL is between 32.4 - 83.9 mm)

Draw blood in a plain red-top tube(s), serum gel tube is acceptable. Spin down and send 0.5 mL serum refrigerated in a plastic vial.

Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection.

Note:

Submit with order: Patient's date of birth, current weight, number of fetuses present, patient's race, if the patient was diabetic at the time of conception, if there is a known family history of neural tube defects, if the patient has had a previous pregnancy with a trisomy, if the patient is currently smoking, if the patient is taking valproic acid or carbamazepine (Tegretol), if this is a repeat sample, and the age of the egg donor if in vitro fertilization.

In addition to the above:

If a NT measurement is performed: the date of ultrasound, the CRL measurement, the nuchal translucency (NT) measurement and the name and certification number of the sonographer is required. NT must be measured when the CRL is between 38-83.9mm.

Or

If no NT measurement is performed: a due date or CRL measurement with the date of ultrasound is required.

The NT measurement must also be performed by an ultrasonographer that is certified by one of the following agencies: Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) or Nuchal Translucency Quality Review (NTQR).