Combined Screening (Immulite) is a prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy to assess the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. The test measures specific maternal serum markers using the Immulite immunoassay platform and is interpreted along with ultrasound findings and maternal age.
Test Components
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A)
Free Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (Free β-hCG)
Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan findings
Maternal age and clinical details
Why This Test Is Done
Screens for risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
Screens for risk of Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
Helps identify pregnancies requiring further diagnostic evaluation
Supports early prenatal risk assessment
Sample Required
Maternal blood (Serum)
Preparation
No fasting is generally required.
Accurate gestational age and NT scan details should be provided.
Benefits
Non-invasive prenatal screening
Early risk assessment during pregnancy
Helps guide further diagnostic decisions
Provides valuable information for prenatal care planning
Recommended For
Pregnant women between 11 and 13 weeks + 6 days of gestation
Women seeking first-trimester chromosomal abnormality screening
Pregnancies with increased maternal age or family history concerns
Interpretation
Results are reported as a calculated risk estimate and not as a definitive diagnosis. High-risk results may require additional testing such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or diagnostic procedures as advised by the healthcare provider.