Fetal Screening Panel for Chromosomal Abnormalities (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures specific substances in your blood to help assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in your baby.
["A simple blood test to check for genetic risks during pregnancy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50580-0
- Short code
- Mat scn for fetal abnormalities SerPl
- Synonyms
- Mat scn for fetal abnormalities SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86430
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects elevated levels of substances like **human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)**, **non-protein-bound estriol (uE3)**, and **inhibin A**, which can indicate higher chances of conditions like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome. It also includes **PAPP-A (placental protein A)**, a protein produced by the placenta.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’re at higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities, such as having had a previous pregnancy affected by such conditions, being over 35 years old, or having certain genetic factors.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using advanced techniques to measure the substances mentioned above.
What Are the Next Steps?
If the results suggest an increased risk, further diagnostic testing (such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling) may be recommended to get more detailed information about your baby’s health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is primarily used as a **first-trimester screening** to identify potential risks of chromosomal abnormalities. While it doesn’t diagnose the condition, it helps guide decisions about additional testing. False positives or negatives can occur, so results should always be reviewed by a healthcare provider.
Short name
Fetal Chromosomal Screening Panel
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How soon will I get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy