Prenatal screening for Down's syndrome.

Abstract

Sir,?In the light of recent evidence that the test is a good predictor of Down's syndrome we write to express our concern that this investiga? tion is not generally available on the NHS.1 All women in Stockport are offered an estimation of a fetoprotein concentration and an ultrasound scan at 16 weeks of pregnancy. On the advice of one of the local consultant obstetricians a patient of ours with a low a fetoprotein concentration (17 u.g/1) was offered a triple test at the cost of ?50. We consider that if this investigation is recom? mended for the detection of Down's syndrome and has become a part of accepted medical practice it is indefensible not to offer it to an at risk woman and it is wrong that, depending on the area of the country in which the woman lives, the investigation is either free or not. Is this further evidence of inequality of health care or just the result of market forces? MJSTONE S F LEVY W TAIT P J ALLAN P J RILEY Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 4QR