Ordering Guidance

Do not order this test unless test SEQA / Sequential Maternal Screening, Part 1, Serum has already been ordered.

If a standalone second-trimester screen is desired, order QUAD1 / Quad Screen (Second Trimester) Maternal, Serum.

If a stand-alone neural tube defect risk assessment is desired, order MAFP1 / Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), Single Marker Screen, Maternal, Serum.

Additional Testing Requirements

Sequential maternal screening is a 2-step test that includes a first-trimester sample (SEQA / Sequential Maternal Screening, Part 1, Serum) and a second-trimester sample (SEQB / Sequential Maternal Screening, Part 2, Serum).

Necessary Information

Collection date is required.

Specimen Required

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect blood between 15 weeks, 0 days and 22 weeks, 6 days. Do not collect blood after performing amniocentesis, as that may lead to an artificially increased serum alpha-fetoprotein level and unreliable results.

2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.