Prenatal screening

In the picture

1. 1Ultrasound probe: sends high-frequency sound waves into the abdomen and receives echoes.
2. 2Monitor screen: shows the returning echoes as a moving image of the fetus.
3. 3Lab dish: holds chromosome-shaped rods, with one pair and one trio.
4. 4Blood collection tube: contains a sample used for laboratory screening.

Examples

• An ultrasound scan during pregnancy that measures the fetus and checks its development.
• A blood test that looks for markers associated with certain chromosome conditions.

Quiz: Prenatal screening (Age 18)

1. 1

   What does prenatal screening do?

   • It treats chromosome conditions before birth.
   • It looks at the fetus before birth using ultrasound and lab tests.
   • It guarantees the fetus has no health conditions.
2. 2

   What is important to remember about prenatal screening results?

   • They are only useful after the baby is born.
   • They always give a definite diagnosis.
   • They estimate risk and do not always give a definite diagnosis.
3. 3

   How can prenatal screening results help prospective parents?

   • They can replace the need to speak with a doctor.
   • They can determine exactly which treatment the fetus will need.
   • They can help them make informed decisions with a doctor.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.