• Gillian M Tringham, Tariq S Nawaz, Stephen Holding, Jane Mcfarlane, and Stephen W Lindow.
• Hull York Medical School, Hertford Building, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, UK.
• Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 2011 Nov 1; 159 (1): 95-8.

ObjectiveTo describe any trends in the uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome since the addition of the earlier first trimester combined test.Study DesignAll antenatal screening tests for Down's syndrome were carried out and their results were recorded by the Clinical Biochemistry Department at the Hull Royal Infirmary (HRI) and reviewed against the antenatal booking data held at the Women and Children's Hospital at HRI. The uptake of antenatal Down's syndrome screening for 5 different age groups of women across a four-year-period from 2007 to 2010 was analysed.ResultsThere was a significant increase in uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome from 43.9% to 56.5% after the introduction of the combined test in 2010. This increase was apparent in all age groups. There was no change in the proportion of women opting for an invasive test following a positive screening test.ConclusionAddition of the earlier first trimester combined test has increased uptake of antenatal screening for Down's syndrome in women of all ages. This is most likely due to the advantages this test gives women such as earlier decision making, earlier further invasive diagnostic testing and earlier termination, if necessary.Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

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