Pregnancy is the period of time when a fetus develops inside a woman’s uterus and ends with the birth of the infant. There are a variety of clinical laboratory tests and diagnostics typically used prior to and throughout pregnancy. The tests and diagnostics provide useful information from the time pregnancy is first considered through the initial days of the newborn’s life.
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Discuss the most common screening test and diagnostics used throughout pregnancy and the purpose of the tests.
First trimester screening is a combination of fetal ultrasound and maternal blood testing performed during the first trimester of pregnancy. This screening process can help to determine the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects. Screening tests may be used alone or in combination with other tests.
There are three parts of first trimester screening:
- Ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT). Nuchal translucency screening uses an ultrasound test to examine the area at the back of the fetal neck for increased fluid or thickening.
- Two maternal serum (blood) tests. The blood tests measure two substances found in the blood of all pregnant women:
- Pregnancy-associated plasma protein screening (PAPP-A)–a protein produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)–a hormone produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Abnormal levels are associated with an increased risk for chromosome abnormality.
When used together as first trimester screening tests, nuchal translucency screening and maternal blood tests have a greater ability to determine if the fetus might have a birth defect, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and trisomy 18.
If the results of these first trimester screening tests are abnormal, genetic counseling is recommended. Additional testing such as chorionic villus…
When during pregnancy are tests performed?
What is the protocol when an abnormal test or diagnostic is found?
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