Laboratory services in Dallas
High-risk pregnancies can bring challenges at all stages of pregnancy. We work to find the source of these challenges.
If you or your baby need special monitoring or ongoing care, the team at Fetal Care Center is there for you. We specialize in comprehensive, safe diagnostic testing to form an understanding of what you and your baby may be experiencing.
Medical laboratory services we offer
We use advanced technologies to make sense of unexpected prenatal complications, so we can decide how best to address them.
Types of testing we offer
Based on you or your baby's specific needs, we will choose the appropriate diagnostic tests and provide thorough consultation. All diagnostic testing options are chosen based on prior health history, current conditions and how to get you and your baby the best treatment possible.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is designed to help your fetal care physician assess if there is a genetic disorder or other anomaly affecting your unborn baby. For the procedure, we use an ultrasound-guided needle to collect amniotic fluid from around your baby in the uterus. Your baby then replenishes the fluid that was removed.
Biophysical profile
The biophysical profile is a combination of tests performed if there is concern about health of your unborn child. This could be called into question because of an irregular physical exam or round of test results. If one or either of these occur, a biophysical profile combines ultrasound imaging with electronic fetal heart-rate monitoring to help our team assess your baby's level of movement, dexterity, breathing capabilities and volume of amniotic fluid.
Chorionic villi sampling (CVS)
This prenatal test looks for chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic issues that may be present in placental tissue, which contains the same genetic material as the unborn baby. To conduct this test, a catheter is guided into place near the placenta, so placental tissue samples can be removed using an ultrasound-guided needle.
Fetal echocardiography
A fetal echocardiogram allows our doctors to see the growth and development of your baby’s heart. It also provides a closer look at its blood vessels.
Genetic counseling
We offer genetic counseling as a way for you to understand which conditions may affect your new family. Through these types of genetic tests, including DNA sequencing, we interpret your results and decide on how to best manage you and your baby's health moving forward.
Level II ultrasound
A Level II ultrasound produces real-time, high-resolution images of your uterus to check for any fetal abnormalities.
Ultrasound technology also allows your fetal care team to evaluate uterine environment, determine fluid levels and check your baby’s movements and heartbeat. This test can be performed in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if necessary, to obtain different perspectives of the fetus.
Middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler test
We use this test to measure systolic blood flow in the fetus's middle cerebral artery, in order to assess fetal cardiovascular distress, fetal anemia or fetal hypoxia. It may also be used in conjunction with an umbilical artery Doppler study. If fetal anemia is detected, a fetal blood sampling may be taken.
Paracentesis
When fluid buildup occurs, it is called ascites. Ascites may be caused by infection, inflammation, anemia or an injury. Paracentesis is a way to test for ascites by taking out fluid that has collected in the baby’s belly, also known as peritoneal fluid. We remove this fluid using a long, thin, ultrasound-guided needle put through the baby’s belly.
Pediatric echocardiography
Similar to a fetal echocardiogram, a pediatric echocardiogram provides a detailed evaluation of your child's heart. It is typically recommended when there is a family history of heart abnormalities, diabetes, genetic disorders, IVF pregnancies, monochorionic twins and other abnormalities.
Thoracenteses
Also known as fetal chest fluid drainage, we perform thoracentesis using ultrasound-guided needles. The needle is inserted into the space between the lungs and chest wall to remove fluid and help your baby breathe more easily. It may also be used to assess the character of fluid in the chest.
Umbilical blood sampling
Also known as cordocentesis, this test is similar to amniocentesis, as it uses an ultrasound-guided needle inserted through the abdomen and uterine walls to collect samples. However, umbilical blood sampling retrieves and examines blood from the fetus' umbilical cord, rather than amniotic fluid.
Umbilical Doppler studies
Umbilical Doppler studies are noninvasive tests that evaluate changes in sound waves, which can inform the direction and velocity of blood flowing through the heart, uterus and umbilical artery. Based on the blood flow of you and your fetus, this test is able to detect the presence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and other related conditions.
Vesicocentesis
Fetal urinary tract obstruction is a condition that is caused by the blockage of fetal urination. Since your baby cannot empty its bladder in utero, the bladder may become large and distended, resulting in the need for drainage. Vesicocentesis involves using an ultrasound-guided needle to withdraw excess fluid from the fetal bladder. This procedure may also be used to assess the character of fluid in the bladder.