Types of Screening

Prenatal Screening Ontario currently oversees two types of publicly funded prenatal screening tests: chromosome screening and fetal blood type screening. These tests provide different types of information that can help guide care during pregnancy.

Chromosome Screening

Chromosome screening looks at the chance that a pregnancy has certain chromosome differences, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) or trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome).

Fetal Blood Type Screening (available on Sept 21)

Fetal blood type screening checks if your baby's blood type is different from yours. This is important if you are RhD negative or have certain antibodies in your blood that could affect your baby. The results help guide important care decisions for your pregnancy.

Timing of Tests

The timeline below shows when each type of screening can be done during pregnancy.

PSO Infoline

Our genetic counsellors and clinical content specialist in sonography are available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST to answer your questions about prenatal screening.

Please note that prenatal screening tests have to be ordered through a health-care provider, and we cannot organize this testing.

Subscribe to PSO Updates

Subscribe to stay informed about the latest PSO news and prenatal screening updates in Ontario.
Virtual educational sessions on prenatal screening and nuchal translucency quality assurance are available upon request for health‑care providers.

Subscribe