Newborn Screening Tests

FAQ503, July 2018

Why does my baby need newborn screening tests? All babies must have newborn screening tests. Most babies are born healthy, but some may have health problems that are not easy to see. Screening tests can find these problems. If problems are found early, treatment can help prevent serious medical conditions or death.

Testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

FAQ502, June 2018

What is human immunodeficiency virus? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Once HIV is in your body, it attacks the immune system. As the immune system weakens, it is less able to resist disease and infections. AIDS is diagnosed when a person with HIV develops diseases that the immune system normally would fight off, such as pneumonia, certain types of cancer, and harmful infections.

The Rh Factor: How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy

FAQ027, February 2018

What is the Rh factor? The Rh factor is a protein that can be found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood cells have this protein, you are Rh positive. If your blood cells do not have this protein, you are Rh negative.

Evaluating Infertility

FAQ136, October 2017

What is an infertility evaluation? An infertility evaluation includes exams and tests to try to find the reason why you and your partner have not become pregnant. If a cause is found, treatment may be possible. In many cases, infertility can be successfully treated even if no cause is found.

Cervical Cancer Screening

FAQ085, September 2017

What is cervical cancer screening? Cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. The cervix is the opening to the uterus and is located at the top of the vagina. Screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap test or Pap smear) and, for some women, testing for human papillomavirus (HPV).

Routine Tests During Pregnancy

FAQ133, September 2017

Why are tests done during pregnancy? A number of lab tests are suggested for all women as part of routine prenatal care. These tests can help find conditions that can increase the risk of complications for you and your fetus.

Group B Strep and Pregnancy

FAQ105, September 2017

What is group B streptococcus (GBS)? Group B streptococcus is one of the many types of bacteria that live in the body and usually do not cause serious illness. It is found in the digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts of men and women. In women, it can be found in the vagina and rectum. GBS is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Also, although the names are similar, GBS is different from group A streptococcus, the bacteria that causes “strep throat.”

Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests

FAQ165, July 2017

What is prenatal genetic testing? Prenatal genetic testing gives parents-to-be information about whether their fetus has certain genetic disorders.

Ovarian Cancer

FAQ096, July 2017

What is cancer? Normal cells in the body grow, divide, and are replaced on a routine basis. Sometimes, cells divide abnormally and begin to grow out of control. These cells may form growths or tumors.

Ultrasound Exams

FAQ025, June 2017

What is ultrasound? Ultrasound is energy in the form of sound waves. During an ultrasound exam, a transducer sends sound waves through the body. The sound waves come into contact with tissues, body fluids, and bones. The waves then bounce back, like echoes. The transducer receives these echoes, which are turned into images. The images can be viewed as pictures on a video screen.