Current trends in Antenatal Screening Services: Results from a regional survey

OBJECTIVE To identify variations in current antenatal screening programmes across one region and compare results with a previous survey. DESIGN A cross section descriptive survey. SETTING All maternity units within the region of Northern Ireland. SAMPLE Eleven maternity units were invited and ten agreed to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The number of written policies for individual screening tests; the range of screening tests offered; the frequency of training opportunities for health professionals; and the information systems in place to record data. RESULTS There is variation in service provision across maternity units and, in particular, inconsistency in the offer of serum screening tests for Down syndrome. A lack of training opportunities for health professionals involved in offering screening was highlighted, and no common information system employed. CONCLUSION While improvements have been made since 2002, variations persist. This is leading to inequalities in the provision of antenatal screening services across Northern Ireland.