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Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic Testing

Diagnostic TestingOur board-certified OB/GYNs excel at using state-of-the-art diagnostic measures to screen, monitor, and evaluate our patients.  Our onsite diagnostic testing enables our doctors to provide prompt diagnosis and treatment plans.  Our sophisticated onsite equipment makes receiving diagnostic testing convenient for our patients.  Call (281) 332-9511 or request an appointment online at Bay Area OB/GYN located in Webster, Texas.

Our Diagnostic Tests include:

2D, 3D, 4D Ultrasound

2D, 3D, 4D Ultrasound are all ways of viewing a developing baby in the womb.  Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that creates images with sound waves.  2D ultrasound is used to view outer or inner layers of a fetus, from the outer legs to the internal organs.  3D ultrasound only takes outer images and 4D ultrasound adds the element of motion. Such images provide information about fetal health and development.  It also provides parents and loved ones with a first glimpse of their new family member.

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Fetal Non-Stress Testing

Fetal Non-Stress Testing (NST) is a simple test to measure the heart rate of the fetus to determine if it is receiving enough oxygen and is not in distress.  Fetal Non-Stress Testing may be performed after 28 weeks of gestation if a developing baby is overdue or has moved less than usual, to check placenta functioning, or for other reasons associated with high-risk pregnancy.  The test involves placing belts on the mother’s abdomen that measure fetal heart rate and contractions.  As the name implies, this pregnancy assessment is not stressful for the mother or fetus.

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Biophysical Profile Testing

Biophysical Profile Testing uses both Fetal Non-Stress Testing and ultrasound evaluation to assess fetal health during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy.  Biophysical Profile Testing is used for high-risk pregnancies or patients that are having certain symptoms.  Biophysical Profile Testing (BPP) is a non-invasive method of evaluating fetal breathing, movement, muscle tone, heart rate, and amniotic fluid.

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Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that may be used after about the 16th week of pregnancy.  Amniocentesis is used to confirm the findings of other assessments or to detect chromosomal, neural, or inherited disorders in a developing fetus, such as Down’s Syndrome, Hunter’s Syndrome, or Spina Bifida.  In the last semester of pregnancy, it is used to evaluate the lungs of a fetus.  Amniocentesis involves obtaining and examining a sample of amniotic fluid from within the sac surrounding the fetus.  It is commonly recommended for pregnant women over age 35.

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Fetal Integrated Screening with Nuchal Translucency

Fetal Integrated Screening with Nuchal Translucency is used during pregnancy to gage the risk of chromosome abnormalities, such as Down’s Syndrome for a fetus.  Nuchal Translucency uses ultrasound to measure the neck area of the fetus. The neck measurement correlates with the risk of Down’s Syndrome.  The Nuchal Translucency results are integrated with other fetal screenings, such as hormone (HcG) or protein measurements (AFP, PAPP-A) and considered with the age of the mother to develop a risk profile.

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Diagnostic Gynecological Ultrasound

Diagnostic gynecological ultrasound takes real time moving image of the reproductive organs and surrounding GI and urinary structure. Doing this can greatly aid in diagnostic evalutation and improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis. This may reveal pathology that is often unsuspected or overlooked thereby facilitating the resolution for any clinical problem. It may in fact help the physician and patient more accurately understand what may be causing her symptoms.

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Sonohysterogram

This is a more sophisticated way that may some times be used in special circumstances. It can be done in conjunction with a gyn ultrasound. This will allow the visualization of the pathology that may not be seen during endovaginal ultrasound. It allows for a high level of diagnostic accuracy.

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Hysterosalpingogram

Hysterosalpingogram is a type of X-ray that is used determine if the uterus or fallopian tubes have structural problems that may contribute to infertility. Hysterosalpingogram is also used following sterilization procedures to ensure that the fallopian tubes are closed.  The procedure involves inserting a small tube through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus.  Contrast dye is delivered through the tube, and X-rays are taken.  The contrast dye allows the uterus and fallopian tubes to be visible on the images.

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Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy uses a viewing device, a hysteroscope, to learn more information about the condition of the uterus.  The hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to the uterus.  The uterus is expanded with gas to allow a close examination of the uterine wall.  Hysteroscopy can be used as a diagnostic tool for infertility, unusual bleeding, polyps, fibroids, or repeated miscarriages.  Hysteroscopy can be used with surgical instruments to remove polyps, fibroids, or instead of or along with a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.

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Urodynamics

Urodynamics are used to provide more information about bladder function, including how well the bladder stores and voids urine. Urodynamics are assessments for such urinary problems as loss of urine control (incontinence), urine leakage, bladder emptying problems, frequent urination, weak urine stream, or repeated urinary tract infections. The assessments may measure how fast the bladder empties urine (Uroflowmetry), the strength and volume of the bladder (Cystometry), and the effectiveness of the muscles that control urination (Electromyogram).

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Colposcopy

A colposcopy is used to determine if there are visible abnormalities on the cervix, such as after an abnormal Pap Smear.  A colposcope is a microscope that is inserted through the vagina.  The coloscope allows the doctor to inspect the cervix. If necessary, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken during the colposcopy.  The tissue is taken for further testing for cancer or abnormal cervical cells.

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Bone Density Testing

Bone Mineral Density Testing (BMD) is used to help diagnose osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that causes bone loss and increases the risk of bone fracture risk.  Bone Mineral Density Testing is generally recommended for women under the age of 65 with risk factors other than menopause, postmenopausal women with fractures, and all women age 65 and older.  Bone Mineral Density Testing is a quick painless in-office imaging procedure, similar to receiving an X-ray.

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Folliculograms

Folliculograms are a type of assessment that are part of an infertility assessment and pregnancy planning.  Using a transvaginal ultrasound, our doctors can determine the size and number of follicles a woman has in each ovary.  Typically, each month one follicle releases an egg during ovulation.  With age, the number of follicles a woman has decreases.  A folliculogram may also be used to help diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome.

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