What is downs syndrome blood test?

A Down syndrome blood test, often referred to as a prenatal screening test, is a blood test conducted during pregnancy to assess the risk of the fetus having Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other chromosomal abnormalities. It typically measures specific markers in the mother's blood, such as proteins and hormones, in combination with factors like the mother's age. If the test indicates an increased risk, further diagnostic testing, like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS), may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. This test is non-invasive and is usually performed in the first or second trimester.