There is a need to find out how the 'triple test' for screening of Down's syndrome compares with other services In a recent study [see Inpharma 788: 7. 25 May 1991], the 'triple test' was found to be costeffective in the prenatal screening for Down's syndrome, compared with screening based on maternal age. This implies that the cost of screening would be less than or equal to the cost of care of people with Down's syndrome who would otherwise be born. Further, screening of all pregnancies with the 'triple test' would be a way of offering amniocentesis to all women in the same risk category, irrespective of age.

'It would, perhaps, be more appropriate to judge a prenatal screening programme on how its cost-utility compares with that of other services.' Results of such

an analysis may indicate that amniocentesis should be made available to women at even smaller risk.

Payne IN. Who should be offered prenatal screening for Down's syndrome? British Medical Journal 302: 1467, 15 Jun 1991 [Summarised from a letter to the Editor]

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4 19 Jun 1991 INPHARMA®

ISSN 0156-1703/9//0619-0004/0101,00/0 CAdi, International Ltd