Prenatal screening is a type of routine testing that is available to all pregnant patients in Ontario. It is a non-invasive way to determine the chance to have a pregnancy with Down syndrome and trisomy 18. This chance is determined by collecting maternal and pregnancy information through ultrasound and/or maternal bloodwork. There are no risks associated with this type of testing. It is important to note that the results of prenatal screening are not diagnostic and will not give definitive answers about Down syndrome or Trisomy 18.
Prenatal screening is completely optional and can be ordered by your health care provider.

Currently, routine multiple marker screening in Ontario will offer information about:

• trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• trisomy 18

NIPT that is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) or paid for out of pocket will offer information about:

• trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
• trisomy 18
• trisomy 13
• sex chromosome differences