Seeing your healthcare provider early to begin prenatal care is an important part of preparing for the birth of your baby. Although most babies are born healthy, about 3 to 4% are born with a birth defect or genetic problem. It is normal to wonder about the health of your developing baby, and there are tests designed to provide you and your healthcare provider with information during your pregnancy.
The Iowa Integrated Screen is a test available to all women during pregnancy. This screening test is designed to identify women with an increased risk to have a baby with Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, or an open neural tube defect. The screen may also identify women with an increased risk to have a baby with other kinds of birth defects or women at risk to develop a problem later in pregnancy.
For most women the results of the Iowa Integrated Screen will be screen-negative (lower risk) and no further tests are offered. This is reassuring, but does not guarantee that the developing baby is healthy. The Iowa Integrated Screen is the first in a series of tests that may be offered. It cannot directly diagnose birth defects and chromosome abnormalities, but can help you and your healthcare provider decide when other tests such as an ultrasound and amniocentesis may be of value.
This Web site answers some of the common questions women ask about the Iowa Integrated Screen. You are encouraged discuss this information with your healthcare provider. If you have further questions you may call 319-356-3561 to speak with an Iowa Integrated Screening nurse or genetic counselor.
The choice is yours!
Please be aware that unless the person being tested specifically prohibits such use in writing, the specimen and information obtained during the testing process becomes the property of the State of Iowa and may be used for program evaluation or research by the Department of Public Health or Department-approved scientific researchers to improve the health of mothers and children. An example of such research would be finding a blood test or tests which may predict the birth of a premature or growth retarded baby. Such studies are published without identifying the person or persons from whom these results were obtained. There are no known risks from being in these studies, and the person being tested will not benefit personally from participating in this research. However, others may benefit in the future from what we learn as results of these studies. You can find a link to the study or studies currently being conducted on the program website.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Iowa Maternal Screening Program at 319-356-3561. If you have questions about the rights of research subjects, please contact the Human Subjects Office, 300 College of Medicine Administration Building, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-335-6564, or e-mail: irb@uiowa.edu. To offer input about your experiences as a research subject or to speak with someone other than the research staff, call the Human Subjects Office at the number above. The Maternal Screening Program is administered by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Questions regarding this program may be directed to the state genetics coordinator at 1-800-383-3826.