Combined Screening Delfia is a prenatal blood screening test performed during the first or second trimester of pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities and fetal conditions. The test measures specific biochemical markers in maternal serum using DELFIA (Dissociation-Enhanced Lanthanide Fluorescent Immunoassay) technology for highly sensitive detection.
Why This Test is Done
Screens for risk of:
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Neural Tube Defects
Helps in early prenatal risk assessment
Often combined with ultrasound findings for improved accuracy
Sample Type
Serum
Test Method
DELFIA / Fluoroimmunoassay
Preparation
No fasting required
Clinical details such as gestational age and maternal history may be needed
Who Should Consider This Test
Pregnant women during routine antenatal screening
Women with advanced maternal age
High-risk pregnancies
Previous history of chromosomal abnormalities
Interpretation
Results indicate screening risk and not a definitive diagnosis
Abnormal/high-risk results may require confirmatory diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis or NIPT
Reporting Time
Usually within 24–72 hours depending on laboratory workflow