Prenatal Testing, Fetal Diagnostic & Genetic Testing
State-of-the-art prenatal testing and genetic counseling are available in our Prenatal Testing and Fetal Diagnostic Centers.
Using leading-edge technology, prenatal and fetal diagnostic tests are performed by our team of specialists, who work in consultation with obstetrician-gynecologists. Perinatologists (physicians who specialize in high-risk pregnancies), genetic counselors, registered nurses and sonographers provide a comprehensive range of advanced testing, diagnosis and treatment options, as well as in utero surgery, when necessary. Our experts work together to help ensure healthy outcomes for families and offer hope to women experiencing problems with pregnancy or childbirth.
Expert high-risk care is available if needed. Please call our Physician Referral Service at 215-481-MEDI for more information.
Below is an overview of the prenatal testing, fetal diagnostic and genetic testing that we offer.
Prenatal Testing Services
Provides information about fetal well-being through ultrasounds by assessing fetal breathing, movement, heart rate and amount of amniotic fluid.
Monitors fetal heart rate response to normal fetal activity such as kicking or movement.
Measures the amount of amniotic fluid.
Fetal Diagnostic Testing
A variety of diagnostic tests help determine ‘in utero’ diagnosis and treatment when needed. These diagnostic tests include:
Often called level one ultrasound, this high-resolution imaging provides information about fetal growth, amniotic fluid and fetal anatomy.
Sometimes referred to as level two ultrasound, this high-resolution ultrasound provides detailed imaging of the fetal anatomy.
This test is an ultrasound examination to evaluate the fetal heart chambers, valves and great vessels.
This type of ultrasound is used to evaluate early pregnancies.
Our physicians may perform in utero ultrasound guided fetal surgical procedures to treat problems before birth.
Genetic Counseling & Testing
Genetic counseling gives parents an opportunity to gather information regarding the risk of having a child with a birth defect or genetic disease. Our counselors focus on providing information with guidance and interpretation.
Both early (12 to 14 weeks gestation) and routine (15 weeks or later) amniocentesis tests are available. This test provides information about the fetus’ chromosomes and neural tube defects.
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and placental biopsy
A procedure for obtaining a small amount of placental tissue. These tests provide information about the fetus’ chromosomes.
- Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) and fetal blood transfusion
Procedures for obtaining a sample of the fetus’ blood or transfusing blood through the umbilical cord. This test is used to examine fetal blood to detect possible disorders in the fetus.
An opportunity to discuss fetal abnormalities and maternal complications with our maternal-fetal specialist physicians.