Common Tests Performed Prenatally*
| Name of Test | Type of Test | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha fetoprotein | Blood | Increased risk for fetus of Down syndrome or neural tube defects, such as meningomyelocoele |
| Amniocentesis | Invasive | Genetic diseases such as Down syndrome |
| Beta strep culture | Vaginal swab | Colonization of the vagina with group B beta streptococci, a source of neonatal sepsis |
| Blood type | Blood | ABO blood type; Rh antigen |
| Chlamydia | Cervical swab | Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis |
| Glucose tolerance testing | Blood | Gestational diabetes mellitus |
| GC/Gonorrhea | Cervical swab | Infection with Neisseria gonorrheae |
| Hemoglobin | Blood | Anemia (maternal) |
| Hepatitis B antigen and /or antibody | Blood | Presence of chronic or active hepatitis |
| Human immunodeficiency virus antibody test | Blood | HIV/AIDS infection |
| Papanicolaou test | Cervical sample | Cancer of the uterine cervix |
| Rubella antigen | Blood | Immunity to German measles |
| Triple or quad marker screen | Blood | Birth defects such as Down syndrome or spina bifida |
| Ultrasonography | Radiological, noninvasive | Age of the fetus; multiple pregnancies; developmental abnormalities; quantity of amniotic fluid |
| Urinalysis | Urine | Urinary tract infection; chronic kidney disease; proteinuria, e.g., in preeclampsia |
| Varicella-zoster antibody | Blood | Immunity to chickenpox |
| VDRL, RPR, FTA-ABS, others | Blood | Infection with syphilis |
*Not all these tests are performed on all expectant mothers.