Prenatal Screening
Our laboratories perform complete prenatal hormone screening, including β-hCG, LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone, with same-day results, ideal for IVF (in vitro fertilisation), as well as full blood and virology testing.
Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)
β-hCG is secreted by the cells of the placenta and helps us diagnose pregnancy in its early stages. Its levels are elevated (> 5 mIU/mL) from the 10th day after conception onwards. Measuring it is important because in early pregnancy the embryo cannot yet be seen on ultrasound, and the only way to monitor the pregnancy is through β-hCG measurements, whose levels double every 2 days. Alongside β-hCG, it is advisable to check the hormones estradiol and progesterone, which are essential for the development of the embryo. Our laboratories have a modern hormone analyser that delivers same-day results for all hormones in urgent cases, throughout the day.
The most important prenatal screening tests
Prenatal screening is a key step in safeguarding the health of the mother and the baby. It is a series of diagnostic tests performed before or during pregnancy to detect any health problems, genetic conditions or infections. The most important tests included in prenatal screening are described below:
Complete blood count: provides information on haemoglobin, haematocrit, white and red blood cell levels, and helps detect anaemia or infections.
Blood group and Rhesus (Rh): determines the blood group (A, B, AB, O) and the Rhesus factor (+ or -). It is essential for preventing haemolytic disease of the newborn in the event of Rh incompatibility.
Glucose and urea: blood glucose is checked to detect possible gestational diabetes, while urea assesses kidney function.
Urinalysis: used to detect urinary tract infections, proteinuria and other abnormalities that may indicate hypertension or other complications.
Haemoglobin electrophoresis: diagnoses haemoglobinopathies such as thalassaemia, which can affect the baby.
Serum iron and serum ferritin: assess iron stores and sufficiency, since iron deficiency can cause anaemia.
Toxoplasma (Toxo-IgG and Toxo-IgM): detects a past or current infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can seriously affect the baby.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV-IgG and CMV-IgM): detects cytomegalovirus infection, which can cause congenital abnormalities.
Rubella (Rubella-IgG and Rubella-IgM): confirms immunity to, or recent infection with, the rubella virus, which can cause congenital rubella syndrome.
Hepatitis B (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C (HCV): checks for infection with the hepatitis B and C viruses, which can be transmitted to the baby.
HIV (HIV 1+2): early diagnosis of HIV infection allows measures to be taken to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Cystic fibrosis: molecular testing for this genetic condition, which can seriously affect a child’s quality of life.
Thyroid hormones (T4 and TSH): check thyroid function, since thyroid disorders can affect the development of the baby and the course of the pregnancy.
Performing all of the above tests makes it possible to prevent problems or treat them early, safeguarding the mother’s health and the normal development of the baby.
Check Ups
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Complete Prenatal Screening
Complete blood count, blood group, Rhesus, glucose, urea, urinalysis, haemoglobin electrophoresis, serum iron, serum ferritin, toxoplasma (Toxo-IgG & Toxo-IgM), cytomegalovirus (CMV-IgG, CMV-IgM), rubella (Rubella-IgG & Rubella-IgM), hepatitis B – Australia antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C (HCV), HIV (HIV 1+2), cystic fibrosis, thyroid hormones T4 and TSH.
