Other tests may be necessary depending in your particular situation. These tests are as follows:

Three-hour Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
The Three-hour Glucose Test is given only if your One-hour Glucose Tolerance Test result is abnormal. If this test indicates that you have gestational diabetes, you will need treatment (usually a special diet) and closer observation for the rest of your pregnancy.

Two-hour Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (2 HR PP)
This test will be given at each visit if you have gestational diabetes. The test measures your blood sugar to be sure it is within normal range, which helps to determine your treatment plan.

Toxoplasmosis Titer
If you have cats, you could have an infection that is spread by cats and has been related to congenital abnormalities in the fetus. This test checks for the presence of antibodies.

If you have cats, you are susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Please do not change the litter box. Let another family member do this job for you. Also keep cats out of your face. Use good hygiene after petting any cat. Wear gloves if you work outside in your yard and you have stray cats or neighborhood cats. Testing is available for this infection.

Rhogam and Antibody Screen
If you have Rh negative blood, you will be tested for antibodies to Rh positive blood. These can harm the baby if it has Rh positive blood. You will be given Rhogam at 28 weeks and after the baby is born if the baby is Rh positive. This will suppress your immune system to prevent antibodies from being made that may harm the fetus in this and future pregnancies.

Sonogram (Limited)
Ultrasound is used to determine the size of the fetus in relation to the calculated due date. It is medically indicated if the uterus is measuring larger or smaller than normal. It will also check the baby’s heartbeat, movement, and position. It can determine if there is more than one fetus and rule out some abnormailities.

Biophysical Profile
This test uses ultrasound to evaluate the status of the fetus by measuring several factors including: spine and body movement, limb movement, amniotic fluid movement, fetal weight, breathing and the position of the placenta.

Non-stress Test (NST)
Non-stress test assess fetal heat rate in response to activity and spontaneous contractions graded as reactive and non-reactive. If the NST is non-reactive, it may be followed by a physical profile or a contraction stress test that will assess the baby’s response to indicated contractions. If you are diabetic, these are done weekly late in the pregnancy. They are also done if you are past due or notice a decrease in normal fetal movement.

Biophysical Profile with NST

Amniocentesis
This procedure is recommended if you are 35 or older due to the increased incidence of congenital abnormalities after this age. It may also be indicated if there is a family history of chromosomal abnormalities. This fee is for the office procedure only. You will receive a separate bill from the outside reference laboratory for the actual chromosome analysis.

Familial Dysautonomia Test
If you are of Ashkenazi Jewish origin (Eastern European), or you have a family history of Familial Dysautonomia, or if your partner is a carrier of this disease; please let the Health Educator know at your next OB appointment. Testing is available for this disease. For additional information about Familial Dysautonomia visit www.familialsysautonomia.org

Syphilis Test
As part of prenatal care, all pregnant women undergo a series of blood tests. One of these tests is for syphilis. Due to the recent outbreak of congenital syphilis in Guilford County, our physicians recommend that all pregnant women receive a second syphilis test at 28 weeks. Having this test will enable your physician to give you and your baby better healthcare. Our office is required by law to report all positive tests to the Guilford County Department of Public Health. This test will become part of your medical record and the result will be kept completely confidential. Only healthcare providers directly involved in your care will know your result. Your insurance may or may not cover this expense. You will be asked to sign a consent form during your next office visit.

HIV Antibody Test
This test will not tell you:
1. If you have AIDS
2. If you will develop AIDS
3. If you are immune to AIDS
4. If you are healthy
A negative test result indicates that the antibody has not been found in your blood. If you test negative, there are two possible explanations:

1) You have not been infected with the virus; or
2) You have been infected by the virus but have not yet produced antibodies

A positive test results indicates that you have probably been infected with the AIDs virus and your body has produced antibodies. Researchers have shows that most people with AIDS antibodies have active virus in their bodies. You should therefore assume you are infectious and capable of passing the virus on to others. A positive result does not mean:

1) That you have AIDS
2) That you will get AIDS
3) That you are immune to AIDS

Without treatment, 50% of HIV infected people will develop an AIDS-related illness within 10 years. In some people, AIDS-related illnesses may develop within a few years.

Source: CDC- Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing: Facts, Issues and Answers.

Note about Confidentiality – People taking the test should be aware that there may be some risk associates with letting others know about the test results. Test results have been used to discriminate against persons in employment and insurance. However, you should know that it is illegal in North Carolina for persons to be discriminated against in public housing, public services, public accommodations or public transportation because of HIV infection. Someone who is infected with HIV is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those who need to know that someone has tested positive include that person’s health care providers (doctors and dentists), sex partners, and anyone with whom that person has shared needles or syringes.

Our office is required by law to report any positive HIV antibody test to the Guilford County Department of Public Health.

Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Test
Carrier testing for Cystic Fibrosis is available. Please speak with your physician if you have questions or concerns about the disease. You should discuss testing with your doctor if Cystic Fibrosis runs in your family or the father of the baby’s family. For more information about Cystic Fibrosis visit www.cff.org

Additional Notes:

Sonograms will vary in price.

Fees are subject to change without notice for our physician services.

Some insurance carriers consider these as non covered services in which case, you are responsible for the payment.  Please familiarize yourself with your insurance benefits.