The NSU has implemented a process of development of quality improvements to antenatal screening for Down syndrome and other conditions

This work commenced after the report 'Antenatal Down Syndrome Screening in New Zealand 2007', identified that the practice of screening using maternal age and/or nuchal translucency (NT) without biochemical markers was unsafe and should not continue.

The introduction of improved and updated pathways for screening bring screening technology in line with similar international initiatives.

The purpose of the quality improvements is:

• to improve the quality and safety of screening information and services for pregnant women in New Zealand

• to ensure that those women who choose to have screening are able to access a service which is comparable with those available internationally

• to ensure that all women are supported in their decision whether or not they choose to have screening.