Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 November 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Friday, 2 November 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the availability of nuchal translucency scans.

Answer: Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of nuchal translucency scans. [9093] Jacqui Smith: The advice of the United Kingdom National Screening Committee on Down's Syndrome screening is that all women should be offered second trimester serum screening to consist of at least a double test and a move towards triple or quadruple tests when possible. Other combinations of serum analytes and screening in the first trimester, including ultrasound scans, will be kept under review. Nuchal translucency scans are currently estimated to be available in about 8 per cent. of maternity units.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9093; 373 c890W;373 c892W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Down's syndrome Maternity services Pregnancy Screening Antenatal care
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk