the Health Net Demonstration Project (1998), the maternal blood test is used to detect women at risk of bearing children with defects in the formation of the brain or spinal cord (high levels of AFP), Down Syndrome (Low levels of AFP), sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and thalassemia.
One important point regarding blood testing has been discussed in a report issued by the Arnot Ogden Medical Center (1997). Specifically, the report notes that this form of prenatal testing is only a screening test which is to say that it provides an assessment of the likelihood or risk of a problem. It is not a diagnostic test. Since AFP testing is only a screening test, some women will be identified as being in the at risk group even though they are carrying normal fetuses.
Ultrasound involves directing high frequency sound waves into the abdomen providing a clear image of the fetus in the womb (Kleinman, Cooke, Machlin & Kessel, 1983). Ultrasound is used to evaluate uterine abnormalities as well as any major structura
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