Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
10:08
Determining the Role of Maternally-Expressed Genes in Early Development with Maternal Crispants
Published on: December 21, 2021
2.6K
Maternal Prenatal Screening and Serologies
Timothy M Snow1, Melissa Coble
1Wake Forest Hospital-Brenner Children's Hospital, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Summary
Maternal prenatal screening is crucial for identifying communicable diseases, preventing complications, and ensuring infant health. Early screening and interpretation of results are vital for both maternal and neonatal care.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Clinical Laboratory Science
Background:
- Maternal prenatal screening is critical for preventing pregnancy complications.
- It also aids in predicting and preventing neonatal and infant medical issues linked to communicable diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and present current information on common prenatal screening laboratory studies.
- To outline the implications of these screenings in relation to various maternal and fetal diseases.
Main Methods:
- An extensive search of medical databases was conducted.
- Relevant medical literature on prenatal screening was systematically gathered and reviewed.
Main Results:
- Prenatal screenings should commence at the initial provider visit post-pregnancy confirmation.
- Screening protocols are individualized based on specific diseases and maternal risk factors.
- Screening methods include antigen/antibody titer measurement and specialized genetic testing.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers must be adept at identifying necessary screenings and interpreting results for pregnant individuals.
- Neonatal providers need to effectively interpret findings and manage newborns accordingly.
- Future research should focus on developing improved, cost-effective screening tests for existing and emerging diseases.
Related Concept Videos
02:46Genetic Screens
5.7K
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which...
5.7K
01:34Crossing Over
171.9K
Unlike mitosis, meiosis aims for genetic diversity in its creation of haploid gametes. Dividing germ cells first begin this process in prophase I, where each chromosome—replicated in S phase—is now composed of two sister chromatids (identical copies) joined centrally.
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
The homologous pairs of sister chromosomes—one from the maternal and one from the paternal genome—then begin to align alongside each other lengthwise, matching corresponding DNA positions in a process...
171.9K
02:07Oogenesis
69.6K
In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
69.6K
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
37.2K
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
37.2K
02:59Animal Mitochondrial Genetics
9.2K
Among all the organelles in an animal cell, only mitochondria have their own independent genomes. Animal mitochondrial DNA is a double-stranded, closed-circular molecule with around 20,000 base pairs. Mitochondrial DNA is unique in that one of its two strands, the heavy, or H, -strand is guanine rich, whereas the complementary strand is cytosine rich and called the light, or L, -strand. Compared to nuclear DNA, mitochondrial DNA has a very low percentage of non-coding regions and is marked by...
9.2K
01:36What is Meiosis?
256.1K
Meiosis is the process by which diploid cells divide to produce haploid daughter cells. In humans, each diploid cell contains 46 chromosomes, half from the mother and half from the father. Following meiosis, the resulting haploid eggs or sperm only contain 23 chromosomes; however, each of these chromosomes contains a unique combination of parental information that results from the meiotic process of crossing over.
256.1K