newborn screening tests Flashcards
1
Q
what is the phospholipid content of amniotic fluid (e.g. level of dipalmitoyl phosphatydlcholine) an indicator of?
A
fetal lung maturity
comonents of pulmonary surfactant
2
Q
what is another name for phosphatydylcholine that is also used for determining the maturity of fetal lung?
A
lecithin
3
Q
what is the meaning of a lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio of > 2 vs
A
> 2 - lung is considered mature
4
Q
what is the significance of elevated AFP levels?
A
high AFP (alpha fetoprotein) suggest neural tube closure defect
5
Q
when would assessment of amniotic fluid bilirubin levels be useful?
A
assessment of fetal emolysis caused by eythroblastosis fatalis (hemolysis induced by transplacental transmission of maternal antibodies to fetal RBC antigens)
