Medical information Clinical review pending

Gynecological Testing

FMF First Trimester Screen Test

The FMF First Trimester Screen Test assesses the risk of chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome in the fetus during the first trimester (11-13 weeks) of pregnancy.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: Maternal blood sample.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is required for the blood draw. An ultrasound measurement (nuchal translucency) is also part of this screening and should be performed between 11 and 13 weeks gestation. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 7,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the FMF First Trimester Screen Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
A clinician's request / prescription for the test
Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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+254

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

✓Pregnant women between 11 and 13 weeks gestation.
✓Women aged 35 years or older at delivery.
✓Women with a previous pregnancy affected by a chromosomal abnormality.
✓Women with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities.
✓Women with risk factors such as diabetes or obesity.
✓Women seeking early screening for fetal chromosomal conditions.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test provides a risk assessment for common fetal chromosomal abnormalities during the first trimester, enabling early detection and informed decision-making regarding further prenatal care or diagnostic testing.

The FMF First Trimester Screen Test is a vital prenatal diagnostic test performed between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation. It evaluates the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), in the developing fetus. This screening test measures specific biomarkers in the mother's blood and combines this information with ultrasound findings (nuchal translucency measurement) to provide a risk assessment. Early detection allows expectant parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about pregnancy management and potential further diagnostic testing. This test is particularly recommended for women aged 35 and older, those with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities, or individuals with specific risk factors. Discuss the suitability of this test with your doctor.

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →

PreparationNo special preparation is required for the blood draw. An ultrasound measurement (nuchal translucency) is also part of this screening and should be performed between 11 and 13 weeks gestation. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

SampleMaternal blood sample.

MethodologyThis test combines maternal serum biomarker analysis (measuring levels of PAPP-A and free β-hCG) with an ultrasound measurement of fetal nuchal translucency (NT). The results are combined using statistical algorithms to calculate a risk score for specific chromosomal abnormalities.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

This is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. It provides a risk assessment, not a definitive diagnosis. False positives and false negatives can occur. The accuracy of the test depends on correct gestational dating and proper performance of the ultrasound measurement. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.

NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.

VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test screens for the risk of common chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13).

The test is typically performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, with an ideal window of 10 to 13 weeks.

No, this is a screening test. It provides a risk assessment. If the risk is high, further diagnostic tests like CVS or amniocentesis may be recommended.

No special preparation is needed for the blood draw itself. However, an ultrasound measurement (nuchal translucency) is also required as part of the screening.

Results are typically reported as a risk score for each condition. Your doctor will interpret these results with you.

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

Last updated: September 27, 2026
Medical review: not yet completed
Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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