Apgar scoring
Apgar scoring Description Quantification of neonate’s status is based on observations of neonate’s appearance and behavior. The scoring evaluates neonatal heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color….
Amnioinfusion
Amnioinfusion Description Amnioinfusion is the replacement of amniotic fluid volume through intrauterine infusion. It involves the use of an isotonic solution, such as normal saline or lactated Ringer’s solution, delivered…
Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography Purpose To establish pregnancy with fetal heart motion as early as 5 to 6 weeks’ gestation To determine an accurate expected date of birth at 20 to 22 weeks’…
Phenylketonuria screening
Phenylketonuria screening Purpose To screen infants for phenylketonuria (PKU) Patient preparation Inform the parents that a small amount of blood will be drawn from the neonate’s heel. Tell the parents…
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling Purpose To obtain fetal blood samples for fetal karyotyping To aid in identifying hemophilia, hemoglobinopathies, fetal infections, chromosomal abnormalities, fetal distress, and fetal drug levels To…
Oxytocin challenge test
Oxytocin challenge test Purpose To evaluate the respiratory function of the placenta and provide an indication of how the fetus will tolerate the stress of labor To provide further information…
Nonstress test
Nonstress test Purpose To screen for suspected fetal distress or placental insufficiency associated with the following maternal conditions: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, chronic or gestational hypertension, collagen disease, heart disease, chronic…
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein Purpose To screen those patients needing amniocentesis or high-resolution ultrasonography during pregnancy As a screening test to determine the presence of a fetal neural tube defect (NTD)…
Human placental lactogen
Human placental lactogen Purpose To assess placental function and fetal well-being To aid diagnosis of hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma To aid diagnosis and monitor treatment of nontrophoblastic tumors that ectopically…
