Table 2.
Results of gestational age estimation methods for all infants
| Variable | Basic algorithm (no screening) | Metabolic algorithm |
|---|---|---|
| Number of infants tested per y | — | 1323 |
| Number of suitable samples per y | — | 1015 |
| Total annual cost excluding setup | — | $100,031 |
| Total annual cost including setup | — | $120,496 |
| Preterm infants | ||
| Number of preterm infants as determined by ultrasound | 92 | 92 |
| Percentage of preterm infants correctly identified (to within 1-wk precision) | 60.1 | 69.6 |
| Number of preterm infants correctly identified (to within 1-wk precision) | 55.3 | 64.0 |
| Additional preterm infants identified through the metabolic algorithm | — | 8.7 |
| Incremental cost per preterm infant identified (excluding setup) | — | $11,542 |
| Incremental cost per preterm infant identified (including setup) | — | $13,903 |
| SGA infants | ||
| Number of SGA infants as determined by ultrasound | 249.3 | 249.3 |
| Percentage of SGA infants correctly identified | 13.6 | 71.9 |
| Number of SGA infants correctly identified | 34.0 | 179.3 |
| Additional SGA infants identified through the metabolic algorithm | — | 145.3 |
| Incremental cost per SGA infant identified (excluding setup) | — | $688 |
| Incremental cost per SGA identified (including setup) | — | $829 |
Costs in US dollars.
SGA, small for gestational age.
Coyle et al. Cost analysis of a gestational age algorithm. AJOG MFM 2021.