Should I have this test?
When should I have the test?
How does it work?
What about ultrasound scanning?
Who will give me my result?
What does it mean if my risk is low?
What does it mean if my results show an increased risk?
What other tests are available if my result shows an increased risk?
How accurate is MSS2?

 

Should I have this test?
Only you can make the decision about whether to have testing or not. Some women want to know about possible conditions and some do not. Your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or GP can provide you with resources and details of relevant organisations to provide additional information to help inform your decision. Women who choose not to be screened will be supported in their decision.

When should I have the test?
MSS2 is a single blood test best taken between 14 and 18 weeks of pregnancy.

How does it work?
It measures levels of specific hormones and proteins in your blood. When combined with your age, weight and due date, the test calculates how likely you are to be carrying a baby with a particular condition. The test will return either a low or an increased risk result.

What about ultrasound scanning?
An ultrasound scan that measures nucal translucency, often called NT, can also be used to indicate the risk of having a baby with these conditions. Your LMC or GP may suggest you have this scan before the MSS2. In this case you will be given one combined result from both tests.

Who will give me my result?
Your LMC, or the person who referred you for the test, this may be your doctor. They will tell you whether the result is a low risk or an increased risk.

What does it mean if my risk is low?
If your result is low risk, you have a low risk of having a baby with a condition like Down syndrome or spina bifida.

What does it mean if my results show an increased risk?
If your result shows an increased risk, your LMC or doctor will discuss the options with you. This will include information about the possible condition and about further testing.

What other tests are available if my result shows an increased risk?
The other tests available are amniocentesis and scanning. You may also choose not to proceed with further testing. If you choose to have more tests, your LMC will refer you to a specialist. The process of amniocentesis does have some risks e.g. miscarriage and these will be discussed with you.

How accurate is MSS2?
Screening tests are not 100% accurate. MSS2 will identify an increased risk result for about for 8 - 9 babies out of 10 who have a condition. It will miss about 1-2 out of 10.