All Entries in the "TESTS AND PROCEDURES" Category
Why A Thyroid Function Test Is Important?
In an ideal world every pregnant woman should have a simple thyroid test performed to examine her thyroid function, because the symptoms of thyroid problems are often masked by all the changes that take place in the body during this time.
Consequently, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can result in a miscarriage or brain damage [...]
Quad Screen Test To Determine The Risk Of Carrying Genetic Disorders
One of the most important “maternal blood screening tests” is the quad screen test.
Four specific substances will be tested under this test.
They include: hCG (Human chorionic gonadotrophin), AFP (Alpha fetoprotein), inhibin-A and Estriol.
hCG is a hormone that is created within the placenta.
AFP is produced by the fetus.
Inhibin-A is a protein which is [...]
Making Limited Use Of Ultrasound Scans
A new report indicates that although ultrasound has existed for some time now for monitoring babies in pregnant women and no side effects have been noted such as childhood leukemia or other cancers, weight problems or dyslexia, experts still believe that exposure to ultrasound monitoring should be controlled.
If there are no [...]
Carrier Screen Test For Cystic Fibrosis
This test is available to all pregnant women and also to their partners.
CF carrier screen test is performed to determine whether a person carries the abnormal genetic patterns that cause cystic fibrosis or not.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition. This disease mainly affects digestion and breathing. Mainly this disease is the result [...]
Chorionic Villus Sampling May Increase Risk Of Hemangiomas
Performing chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for prenatal diagnosis may lead to an increased rate of blood vessel malformations called hemangiomas in infants, according to a review in the November Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.
Dr. Lewis B. Holmes of Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, reviews past research on the possible link between CVS and the development [...]
Cordocentesis – A Diagnostic Test for Fetal Abnormalities
Also known as fetal blood sampling or Percutaneous Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling (PUBS), cordocentesis is a diagnostic test mainly used to examine the blood of the fetus for detecting fetal abnormalities.
This prenatal testing is used to diagnose in utero complications along with Down syndrome and heart defects.
How is the test performed?
Advanced imaging [...]
New Prenatal Test For Down Syndrome Less Risky Than Amniocentesis
Pregnant women worried about their babies’ genetic health face a tough decision: get prenatal gene testing and risk of miscarriage [causes of early miscarriage] or skip the tests and miss the chance to learn of genetic defects before birth.
But a new prenatal test could make this dilemma obsolete. The new method, developed by scientists at [...]
Chorionic Villus Sampling Seen Safe
Testing for genetic defects early in pregnancy through chorionic villus sampling, or CVS, does not appear to raise the risk of fetal loss.
CVS involves using a needle to collect samples of the embryonic structure that goes on the form the placenta.
The process can be performed as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy, and provides cells [...]
Multiple Marker Screening To Track Baby’s Abnormalities!
Usually done within the second trimester of pregnancy i.e. between 15-18 weeks of pregnancy, multiple marker screening is a non-invasive blood test which can detect whether your baby is at an increased risk of certain problems.
Ideally, this test is done in conjunction with first-trimester screening tests. This combination is known as [...]
Non-Stress Test To Evaluate Fetal Condition After 28 Weeks
The fetal non-stress test is a very simple and non-invasive procedure performed after 28 weeks of gestation.
So named because it ensures no stress is placed on your fetus during the test, and it also helps to evaluate your baby’s condition.
The procedure involves monitoring of your baby’s heartbeat in order to ensure [...]
