Objective
The aim of this article is to determine the cost effectiveness of cell free DNA (cfDNA) as a replacement for integrated screening using a societal cost perspective.
Method
This study used Monte‐Carlo simulation with one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.
Results
Cell free DNA is more effective and less costly than integrated screening. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for cfDNA relative to the integrated test was −$277 955 per case detected (95th percent confidence interval −$881 882 to $532 785).
Conclusion
Cell free DNA screening is a cost‐effective replacement for maternal serum screening when the lifetime costs of Down syndrome live births are considered. The adoption of cfDNA screening would save approximately $277 955 for each additional case detected over integrated screening. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.