The Master of the Rotunda maternity hospital has said that a diagnosis of fatal foetal abnormality can be “quite complex to interpret.”
Professor Fergal Malone made the comments shortly after it emerged an external review has been commissioned by the National Maternity Hospital into the circumstances surrounding a termination of pregnancy earlier this year.
It follows a complaint being brought by a couple in March who had been told that tests showed a fatal foetal abnormality, Trisomy18, also known as Edwards Syndrome.
The pregnancy was terminated at 15 weeks at Holles Street in Dublin and three key genetic tests were carried out.
However, following these tests it was determined that the baby did not have the genetic disorder at all.
Speaking on the Sean O’Rourke Show on RTE Radio One, Professor Malone said that early screening tests are carried out by a blood test and an ultrasound.
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He said: “We get lots of questions from patients about how to interpret theses various screenings and diagnostic results for cases like Down’s syndrome and Trisomy18.
“We do get a lot of questions about the technology. Sometimes it can be quite complex to interpret.
“Generally there are screening tests and diagnostic tests for foetal abnormalities.
“Screening tests would be blood tests or ultra sound scans that look for abnormalities.
“If they are found this might go on to a diagnostic test. There are two diagnostic tests, one is CVS which is done at 10 to 12 weeks and one is amniocentesis, which can’t be done until 15 weeks.
“When the CVS test is taken two different samples are sent, one for a rapid result which comes back within 48 hours and the other which can take up to two weeks and it is 100%.”
But Prof Malone acknowledged that the rapid test can give a false positive.
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He added: “That’s why it is necessary to look at the total picture. If there is no ultrasound abnormality most laboratories recommend to wait for the full two weeks.”
In the case this week, the parents reported their concerns about what had happened to the National Maternity Hospital(NMH) and the Minister for Health Simon Harris.
It emerged on Thursday that the hospital decided to set up an external review into what happened.
The Department of Health has acknowledged the “distress” that the parents have experienced as a result of the events.
In a statement issued by Holles Street on Thursday evening they said they do not comment on individual cases.
However, it confirmed that it has asked the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK to review a recent case at the hospital.
Vicky Wall of Every Life Counts said that the revelation was profoundly shocking.
She said: “We warned that abortion would become an expectation where a severe or life-limiting condition was suspected and now this family’s baby has been aborted.
“Nothing will bring that baby back, its just so devastating.”
