FirstScreen® – First Trimester Screening

CPT 84163; 84702

Test Details

Turnaround Time

2 - 5 days Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Use

FirstScreen screens for fetal Down syndrome and trisomy 18 between 10 weeks/3 days and 13 weeks/6 days (10.4-13.9 weeks, CRL = 38-84 mm). Two biochemical markers, pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and the nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound measurement are combined to provide a risk assessment in the first trimester.

Special Instructions

Integrated Genetics will only accept NT measurements from sonographers who have been certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) or the Nuchal Translucency Quality Review Program (NTQR). Please submit certification information before sending specimens for FirstScreen. Please contact our Client Services Department with any questions.

Specimen Requirements

Information on collection, storage, and volume

Specimen

Whole blood, serum, or dried blood spot

Volume

Blood: 7-10 mL; Serum: 2-3 mL (unhemolyzed); Dried blood spot: minimum 3 circles

Container

Blood: Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; Serum: Serum separator tube (SST); Dried blood spot: IG-Provided blood spot card

Collection

Blood: Allow to clot; centrifuge (15 minutes at 1000 g) to prevent hemolysis. Dried blood spot: If prenatal carrier screening for cystic fibrosis is ordered in conjunction with first trimester screening, all 6 circles should be filled.