title: Biochemical screening for Down syndrome: patients' perception of risk.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the utility of the triple test in routine clinical practice and in addition to the document, the acceptability of a cut-off of 1:250 for invasive testing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of data from screening and invasive testing for Down syndrome over a 5-year period in Hull Maternity Hospital. Computer-based records were accessed and individual data drawn from case notes were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  14827 (78%) of all patients opted for the triple test. A positive result (1:250 or greater) was found in 586 (4%). Fifteen percent of this group refused further testing with amniocentesis. 0.08% requested amniocentesis despite a negative triple test result. Of the screened pregnancies the triple test and selective invasive testing identified nine out of 15 (60%) of Down syndrome cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sixty percent of Down syndrome pregnancies were identified with a 4% invasive testing rate. Fifteen percent of women who had a positive test did not agree with the cut-off of 1:250 and therefore declined invasive testing. Invasive procedure complication rates do not equate with patients' perception of Down syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Hull Maternity Hospital, Hedon Road, Hull, UK.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Holding
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Lindow
mesh_terms: D000649:Amniocentesis; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000097:blood*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004964:Estriol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D004964:Estriol