Maternal serum screening: practice patterns of physicians in Newfoundland.

Objective: To compare the utilization of the second trimester maternal serum screen (MSS) of a-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotrophin, and unconjugated estriol, in Newfoundland, by practice location, training, and gender.

Methods: Four hundred eighteen anonymous self-reported questionnaires were mailed out to all practising family physicians, general practitioners, and obstetricians in Newfoundland, who were identified through the provincial medical board. The survey included questions on demographic characteristics, provision of antenatal care, gestational age at which MSS is ordered, reasons for offering or not offering MSS, and the use of routine antenatal ultrasound.