Genetic Testing Flashcards
what 2 scans are done in normal pregnancoies?
- Nuchal scan
- mid-trimester anomaly scan
both of these are ultrasounds
When is a nuchal scan done?
10-14 weeks gestation
What 5 things can a Nuchal Scan do?
- date the pregnancy
- diagnose multiple pregnancies
- disgnose major fetal abnormalities
- diagnose early miscarriage
- assess the risk of down syndrome
What technique is used to assess the risk of down syndrome?
Nuchal translucency scan
At how many weeks is a mid trimester scan done?
20-22 weeks
What is the purpose of the mid trimester anomaly scan?
To take a more detailed lookat specific organs like heart, brain, spinal cord and to check for 11 rare conditions
What is measured during a Nuchal Translucency test?
The thickness of fluid at the back of the foetal neck
A nuchal translucency if more than how many mm indicates a problem?
anything more than 3mm
If the nuchal thickness is >3mm, what can it indicate?
chromosome abnormalities such as down syndrome
What birth defects can arise from an increase nuchal translucency? d
- Cardiac abnormalities
- Pulmonary abnormalities
- Renal defects
- Abdominal wall defects
- Skeletal dysplasias
What is linked to nuchal translucency which increases the risk of the baby having down synrdome?
Maternal age
Sometime we see increased NT but there’s nothing actually wrong with the baby. Why is this?
as this is just a screening test and not diagnostic
What type of test is a nuchal translucency scan?
A screening test
Give some examples when prenatal testing could be offered?
- Abnormal findings in nuchal scan or mid-trimester
- If the couple had an affected child in previous pregnancies
- if parents are carriers of severe genetic conditions
- family history of genetic conditions
What are the 4 main aims of prenatal testing?
- Inform / prepare parents
- Allow for the termination of pregnancy if necessary
- Help manage the remainder of the pregnancy
- to be prepared for complications at or after birth
When is the 1st trimester maternal serum screening and NT measurement done at?
11-14 weeks
what is cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA)
DNA that shed from placenta +into the maternal blood
What does cell free foetal DNA screening do?
Analyses the placental DNA in maternal plasma
When is cffDNA first ever detectable?d
4-5 weeks gestation
how can cffDNA be used in non-invasive screening/diagnosis techniques?
- NIPD
- NIPD fetal sexting
- NIPT