Question: Screening Test

Answer: Shows how likely it is that the child may have a particular disorder or condition.

• gives the odds but not a 100% confirmation (may lead to further diagnostic testing)

• - could show false positives (results that show an abnormality but are later found to be false)

• - minimum risk or impact on the mother or child

• Question: Diagnostic Test

• Answer: Gives a definite answer as to whether or not a child will be born with a particular disorder or condition.

• - results are from DNA taken from fetal cells

• - some tests are invasive and risk the health of the fetus

• Question: Maternal Serum Screens

• Answer: - noninvasive screening where blood is drawn from the mother

• - does not diagnose a problem; only signals further testing should be done

• - measures hormones

• + hCG

• + abnormal levels of other hormones suggest possibility of neural tube defects (i.e.. spina bifida) or chromosomal disorders (ie. Trisomy 21)

• Question: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

• Answer: - only in pregnant women bc made by placenta

• - also detected through ELISA urine test

• - increasing levels in first trimester show normal pregnancy

• - abnormal levels suggest chromosomal disorders like Trisomy 21

• Question: Ultrasound

• Answer: - noninvasive screening

• - an instrument called a transducer emits high-frequency sound (inaudible to humans) and then records the echoes as the sound waves bounce back to determine the size, shape, and consistency of soft tissues and organs

• - produces images on a computer screen