I have heard that serum screening tests (AFP/triple or quadruple screening) are often wrong. Why do doctors use them?
Serum Screening tests are blood tests that can be easily and safely performed on a large group of women to identify those women whose fetuses may need further testing. An abnormal screening test does not mean your baby has a birth defect or other problem, but does suggest the need for closer evaluation. On the average, only 1-5% of women with abnormal serum screening have a pregnancy with an increased risk for complications. Further testing may include targeted ultrasound, genetic counseling, amniocentesis, fetal monitoring later in pregnancy, or additional blood screening.
