αlpha antenatal screening software

αlpha is the leading interpretive software for use in antenatal screening for Down's syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, neural tube defects and pre-eclampsia

αlpha is widely used

αlpha has been used to screen over 21 million pregnancies in 57 countries. Probably no other medical software of its kind has been more widely used. The experience of this customer base is assurance of αlpha’s quality and reliability.

Countries with αlpha installations are shown in blue

αlpha is the leading interpretive software for screening for Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, neural tube defects and pre-eclampsia. It is widely acknowledged as the best medical software of its kind and was the first software available for multiple marker Down’s syndrome screening.

αlpha has pioneered the technology and set the standard for such software ever since.

αlpha is based on published data

αlpha is based on published scientific data and validated scientific methodology. The scientific basis for αlpha is in the public domain, and is available from the scientific literature.

αlpha uses a woman’s age, the concentration of serum markers, measurements of ultrasound markers and other details of the pregnancy, to estimate the woman’s risk of having a pregnancy with Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, neural tube defects or pre-eclampsia.

αlpha uses serum markers in the second trimester of pregnancy (14 - 22 weeks gestation) and both serum and ultrasound markers in the first trimester of pregnancy (10 - 13 weeks gestation). It allows the use of up to 12  screening markers.

αlpha is suitable for first trimester, second trimester, integrated and sequential screening for Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18 and pre-eclampsia, second trimester screening for NTDs and first trimester, integrated and sequential screening for trisomy 13.  It also provides the facility for identifying pregnancies with a high risk of SLOS.   More information can be found here.

αlpha is supplied with the αlpha marker library providing comprehensive references on all statistical parameters used in risk estimation.

αlpha is supplied with αlpha Outcome allowing users to follow up their screening programme and empirically validate it.

αlpha 8 offers one of the most significant improvements to the software since αlpha was launched in 1988. No other software of its kind offers as wide a range of facilities or quality control features.

Unique features, including the Integrated test and reflex DNA screening

αlpha is licensed to interpret Integrated tests. The Integrated test provides safe and effective Down’s syndrome screening.

αlpha provides interpretations based on integrated and sequential screening protocols.

αlpha can implement a reflex DNA screening protocol‎ in which women with a Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18 or trisomy 13 risk above a specified level have a maternal plasma DNA test.  Women with a risk below this level receive no further testing. More information can be found here.

αlpha includes features designed to enhance screening performance, for example, the use of sonographer-specific medians for nuchal translucency measurement and features that make the monitoring and audit of screening better and easier to carry out. More information can be found here.

αlpha's risk estimation has been validated; the Down’s syndrome risk predicted by αlpha is in close agreement with the observed prevalence of Down’s syndrome.

αlpha automatically creates audit trails of patient reports, changes to statistical information controlling the interpretation of screening and diagnostic results (e.g. median equations), and changes in screening policy (e.g. cut-off levels).

αlpha offers users and the women screened the most authoritative interpretation available from any Down’s syndrome and neural tube defect screening software.

Customer Support and Service

αlpha users receive thorough on-site training, and prompt support of the highest quality. Our priority is to help users achieve high quality screening with full technical and professional support.

αlpha stays ahead of other software by being continually updated in the light of the latest scientific developments, and comments from users.

Logical Medical Systems Limited is not responsible for clinical decisions or actions that are taken in conjunction with the use of αlpha. All interpretations produced by αlpha should be assessed by an experienced physician in conjunction with the other factors judged relevant by that physician. Screening for Down's syndrome, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, open neural tube defects and pre-eclampsia does not detect all affected pregnancies, and some women with unaffected pregnancies will be classified screen-positive.