Prenatal and Postnatal Diagnosis

Question 1

Maternal serum (blood) AFP test performed between 14 and 19 weeks of gestation; may indicate a variety of conditions, such as neural tube defects (spine bifida is the most common finding) and multiple gestation.

Answer 1

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

Question 2

Removal and analysis of a sample of the amniotic fluid with the use of a guided needle through the abdomen of the mother into the amniotic sac to diagnose fetal abnormalities.

Answer 2

Amniocentesis

Question 3

Removal of a small piece of the chorionic villi that develop on the surface of the chorion, either transvaginally or through a small incision in the abdomen, to test for chromosomal abnormalities.

Answer 3

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Question 4

Test to predict fetal outcome and risk of intrauterine asphyxia by measuring fetal heart rate throughout a minimum of three contractions within a 10-minute period. Also called a stress test or oxytocin challenge test.

Answer 4

Contraction Stress Test (CST)

Question 5

The fetus is monitored for a normal, expected acceleration of the fetal heart rate. A reactive NST should be followed by a CST and possible ultrasound studies.

Answer 5

Nonstress Test (NST)

Question 6

Test available in two forms; a standard over-the-counter (OTC) pregnancy test, which examines urine for the presence of hCG; and a serum (blood) pregnancy test performed in a physician’s office or laboratory to get a quantitative hCG. A “triple-screen” is a blood test for hCG, AFP, and unconjugated estradiol (uE3).

Answer 6

Pregnancy Test

Question 7

Rates the physical health of the infant with a set of criteria 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.

Answer 7

Apgar Score

Question 8

Test for deficient thyroid hormones. Undiscovered and untreated, this condition can lead to retarded growth and brain development. If caught at birth, oral doses fo the missing thyroid hormone will allow normal development.

Answer 8

Congenital Hypothyroidism Test

Question 9

Test for deficiency of enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is responsible for converting phenylalanine, found in certain foods, into tyrosine. Failure to treat this condition will lead to brain damage and mental retardation.

Answer 9

Phenylketonuria (PKU) Test