Antenatal Testing Maternity Screening DNA Reflex pathway

At Kingston and Richmond Foundation Trust (KRFT), an alternative service is provided to the one that is recommended by the National Screening Committee and it is outside of the National pathway. Continuation with the DNA Reflex pathway was based upon our findings that our pathway is fair and equitable for all patients, it reduces anxiety caused by recalling patients back to discuss screen positive results from their first line of screening.<br/><br/>The foetal abnormality screening pathway for NHS patients is designed to detect any potential abnormalities or conditions in the developing baby during pregnancy. The screening process aims to provide early identification of conditions, allowing for informed decisions and, where possible, early interventions. The pathway includes specific tests at key stages of pregnancy. <br/><br/>Conditions the service screen for: Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards' Syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau’s Syndrome (Trisomy 13). <br/><br/>Service offers comprehensive NIPT screening for higher chance results. KRFT use the ‘cut-off’ >1:300. Any result greater than 1 in 300 is automatically processed if the patient has agreed to screening. <br/><br/>NIPT is a refined and accurate test at a detection rate of up to 99%. The screening team discuss results greater than 1 in 10 prior to sending the NIPT sample. Results are communicated in <2 weeks.<br/><br/>The laboratory meets all the commissioning standards set by the FASP programme. They have all their internal specifications and are regularly ‘inspected’ to ensure they meet the standards/recommendations by the commissioners and the FASP programme. Additional information: This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intended approach notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.<br/><br/>The intention is to award a contract using the Most Suitable Provider Process.