Regional variations in prenatal screening across Australia: stepping towards a national policy framework.

Background: A relatively few centres across Australia provide screening tests for maternal serum markers or ultrasound measurement of fetal nuchal translucency to assess risk of fetal anomalies such as Down syndrome. While providers engage in external accreditation and quality assurance programs, state and federal governments have been slow to formulate relevant policies and standards.

Aim: In this paper we review the current practices across Australian states and territories and propose recommendations for developing a national policy framework.

First-trimester combined screening for Down syndrome and other fetal anomalies.

Objective: This study assessed fetal outcomes for pregnancies identified at increased risk for Down syndrome by first-trimester combined ultrasound examination and maternal serum biochemistry screening.

Methods: First-trimester combined screening data were obtained from ultrasound clinics across Western Australia between August 2001 and October 2003. Prenatal screening data were linked with pregnancy outcome information held in state health database registers using probabilistic record-linkage techniques.