Routine Tests

The first panel of prenatal tests (we call it our B-1 panel) consists of some or all of the following tests:

  • Blood count to determine anemia
  • Blood type and Rh factor determination
  • Antibody screening for incompatibilities
  • Testing for exposure to syphilis (required), gonorrhea and chlamydia
  • Screening for diabetes
  • Screening for thyroid disorder
  • Immunity status for German measles (Rubella)
  • Hepatitis B screening (*see below)
  • HIV Test (This is now mandated as a routine test by the American College of Ob/Gyn - if you wish to decline this test please let us know)
  • Screening for immunity to chicken pox
  • Genetic Screening tests – includes Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, Sickle-cell anemia and others.
  • Routine urinalysis and urine culture to look for infection
  • Possible other tests specific to your medical history
  • *(Hepatitis B, also known as serum hepatitis, can be present in an individual in a chronic carrier state. This means that although the person carrying the Hepatitis B virus may have no symptoms, she can transmit it to her unborn child (transmission occurs at delivery), can transmit it to her partner through sexual relations, and her blood can potentially transmit the disease to anyone exposed who isn’t immune. ALL pregnant women are tested for this condition early in pregnancy. More than 1 million Americans are chronic carriers of Hepatitis B. All blood donors are also tested for this, so exposure will not occur from a blood transfusion. A vaccine exists, and currently nearly all newborns receive it. Sexual partners of an individual known to be a Hepatitis B carrier must be tested, and if they test negative, they should be vaccinated.)

Expanded Alpha-fetoprotein testing – quadruple marker testing

This optional test is done close to 16 weeks gestational age. Click here for more information

The final panel of routine blood tests (we call it the B-2) is done about the 7th month. It will include the following:

  • Repeat blood count
  • Repeat antibody screen (if you are Rh negative)
  • Screening for diabetes -- the glucola test. The glucola screen for diabetes requires that you drink a solution of 50 grams of glucose (called glucola) one hour before the blood is drawn. This test does not need to be done fasting; it can be done at any time of day