Prenatal Screening Test Costs in Lao Cai — 2026 Price Guide
Prenatal screening tests are the most important step in detecting early risks of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, especially Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).
With over 30 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, BSCKI. Trần Thị Thúy Lâm — formerly at Hanoi Medical University Hospital and Medlatec Hospital — shares reference pricing, timing, and detailed guidance on each type of prenatal screening test available in Lao Cai in 2026.
Why Are Prenatal Screening Tests Necessary?
Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities have no cure. Early detection helps:
- Parents receive comprehensive counseling and make appropriate decisions
- Psychological preparation and care planning if they choose to continue the pregnancy
- Early medical intervention if the fetus has treatable defects
- Reduce the burden on families and society
Who should get screened?
- All expectant mothers — recommended for every pregnancy
- Especially important: Mothers over 35, history of a child with birth defects, family members with chromosomal abnormalities
Learn more in the detailed guide to prenatal screening tests.
Prenatal Screening Test Price List
Screening Tests
| Test | Reference Price | Gestational Week | Accuracy | Detects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double test | 400,000–600,000 VND | 11–13+6 | 80–85% | Down, Edwards, Patau |
| Triple test | 350,000–500,000 VND | 15–20 | 65–70% | Down, Edwards, neural tube defects |
| Basic NIPT | 3,000,000–5,000,000 VND | From week 10 | >99% | Down, Edwards, Patau |
| Expanded NIPT | 5,000,000–7,000,000 VND | From week 10 | >99% | Additional sex chromosome anomalies, microdeletions |
Diagnostic Tests — When Screening Shows High Risk
| Test | Reference Price | Gestational Week | Accuracy | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amniocentesis | 3,000,000–5,000,000 VND | 16–20 | 99.9% | Invasive, miscarriage risk 0.1–0.3% |
| Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) | 4,000,000–6,000,000 VND | 11–13 | 99.9% | Invasive, miscarriage risk 0.5–1% |
Supportive Tests
| Test | Reference Price | Gestational Week | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuchal translucency (NT) | Included in 2D ultrasound | 11–13+6 | Combined with Double test increases accuracy |
| Morphology scan | 200,000–350,000 VND | 20–22 | Detects structural defects |
| TORCH panel | 500,000–800,000 VND | First trimester | Infections affecting the fetus |
Prices are for reference and may vary by time period and healthcare facility.
Detailed Comparison: Double Test vs Triple Test vs NIPT
| Criteria | Double Test | Triple Test | NIPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | Week 11–13+6 | Week 15–20 | From week 10 |
| Sample | Maternal blood | Maternal blood | Maternal blood (cell-free fetal DNA) |
| Accuracy | 80–85% | 65–70% | >99% |
| False positives | 5% | 5–8% | <0.1% |
| Results | 5–7 days | 5–7 days | 7–14 days |
| Cost | 400,000–600,000 VND | 350,000–500,000 VND | 3–7 million VND |
| Invasive | No (blood draw) | No | No |
| Detects | Down, Edwards, Patau | Down, Edwards, NTD | Down, Edwards, Patau (+) |
| Insurance | No | No | No |
Double Test — The most common screening test
Double test combines two markers in maternal blood (free β-hCG and PAPP-A) with nuchal translucency (NT) measurement via ultrasound to calculate the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
- Timing: Week 11–13 and 6 days — cannot be done earlier or later
- Accuracy: 80–85% (when combined with NT measurement)
- Results: Given as a risk ratio (e.g., 1:1500 = low risk, 1:150 = high risk)
- Threshold: Typically 1:250 — above this is considered high risk
Important note: Double test must be done at the right week (11–13+6). If missed, it cannot be made up — the only alternatives are Triple test or NIPT.
Triple Test — Alternative test
Triple test measures three markers in maternal blood (AFP, hCG, Estriol) at weeks 15–20.
- Accuracy is lower than Double test (65–70%)
- Typically used when the Double test window is missed
- Can additionally detect neural tube defects (spina bifida)
- Lower cost than Double test
NIPT — The most accurate test
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) analyzes cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood.
- Over 99% accuracy for Down syndrome
- Can be done from week 10 — earliest of all tests
- Non-invasive — only maternal blood draw
- Very low false positive rate (<0.1%)
- Highest cost (3–7 million VND)
When should you get NIPT?
- Mother is over 35 (higher Down syndrome risk)
- Double test shows high risk — NIPT helps confirm before deciding on amniocentesis
- Mother wants maximum peace of mind with the highest accuracy
- History of chromosomal abnormality in previous pregnancy
Screening Process at Dr. Lam OB/GYN Clinic
Step 1: Prenatal exam + Ultrasound
- Determine exact gestational age
- Measure nuchal translucency (NT) at weeks 12–13
- Evaluate fetal morphology
Step 2: Blood draw
- Maternal venous blood draw (no fasting required)
- Blood samples sent to Medlatec Hospital for analysis
- Medlatec Hospital is a trusted testing partner — accurate results, on time
Step 3: Results
- Double/Triple test: 5–7 days
- NIPT: 7–14 days
- Dr. Lam reads and explains results directly, recommends next steps
Step 4: Follow-up (if high risk)
- Psychological counseling, explanation of result significance
- If needed: referral to higher-level hospital for amniocentesis at a central hospital
- Support for mothers in making appropriate decisions
Recommended Screening Schedule
| Gestational Week | Test | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 11–13+6 | NT measurement + Double test | 550,000–850,000 VND |
| 15–20 | Triple test (if Double test was missed) | 350,000–500,000 VND |
| 10+ | NIPT (as replacement or supplement) | 3,000,000–7,000,000 VND |
| 20–22 | Morphology scan | 200,000–350,000 VND |
Most common approach: Double test (week 12) + Morphology scan (weeks 20–22) → total cost approximately 750,000–1,200,000 VND — a reasonable cost for all expectant mothers.
What Do the Results Mean?
LOW risk (e.g., 1:5000)
- Very low risk of abnormalities
- Continue normal routine prenatal care
- No need for additional invasive testing
HIGH risk (e.g., 1:150)
- Does not mean the baby has a defect — this is only a risk assessment
- The doctor will recommend:
- NIPT for confirmation (if not already done)
- Or amniocentesis (the most accurate diagnostic test)
- Approximately 95% of high-risk Double test cases, when confirmed with NIPT or amniocentesis, show normal results
Estimated Costs by Approach
| Approach | Includes | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Double test + morphology scan | 750,000–1,200,000 VND |
| Advanced | Basic NIPT + morphology scan | 3,200,000–5,350,000 VND |
| Comprehensive | Expanded NIPT + morphology scan | 5,200,000–7,350,000 VND |
| DT high risk → NIPT | Double test + confirmatory NIPT | 3,400,000–5,600,000 VND |
Health Insurance Coverage
Insurance covers
- Clinical prenatal exam
- 2D ultrasound (including NT measurement)
- Basic blood tests
Insurance does NOT cover
- Double test
- Triple test
- NIPT
- Amniocentesis (some cases may be partially covered)
Advice from the Specialist
“Prenatal screening is an investment you cannot skip. For just 400,000–600,000 VND for a Double test, expectant mothers can have much greater peace of mind. The most important thing is doing it at the RIGHT WEEK — the Double test must be done at weeks 11–13. Missing this window means losing the most accurate first-trimester screening opportunity. Book your prenatal visit early, from weeks 8–10, so the doctor can plan appropriate testing.”
— BSCKI. Trần Thị Thúy Lâm, 30+ years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology
Book Prenatal Screening in Lao Cai
Call 0986 321 000 now to book prenatal care and screening tests.
Dr. Lam OB/GYN Clinic — 125 Ham Nghi, Kim Tan, Lao Cai | Phone: 0986 321 000 | Open: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, 7 days/week.
