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Perinatal Testing

Perinatal testing checks for diseases or conditions in a fetus or embryo before it is born.

Testing can assess your baby’s condition, rule out or confirm potential medical complications or problems, and help physicians manage or prevent difficulties.

Even if you are planning to deliver at another hospital, your tests may be performed at the testing center. We will communicate the results of your test(s) to your physician as soon as possible.

Services

First Trimester Screening

During your first trimester screening, you'll undergo a non-invasive test that enables our staff to estimate the risk for potential chromosomal abnormalities (including Down’s Syndrome) early in pregnancy. The test includes the Nuchal Translucency (NT) test, an ultrasound used to measure the thickness of the back of the baby’s neck, and a maternal blood test.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive test that can evaluate pregnancy at all stages. It is often used to screen for potential fetal anomalies, determine gestational age, confirm a multiple pregnancy, assess fetal growth and well being, and discover complications of pregnancy related to fetal, placental, or uterine abnormalities.

We use 3-D technology in addition to the standard 2-D technology, allowing our staff to get more detailed photos of your baby when it is necessary.

In addition to Mercy Hospital’s Perinatal Testing Center, ultrasounds are available at Catholic Health locations across Western New York.

Biophysical Profile

A biophysical profile uses ultrasound to look at the health of the fetus. It evaluates the activity of the fetus, body movements, breathing movements, fetal tone, and amniotic fluid levels.

Amniotic Fluid Index

Amniotic Fluid Index is an estimate of the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby. It is done via ultrasound and can detect where there is not enough or too much amniotic fluid present and the concerns that go along with these conditions.

Fetal Echocardiography

Fetal Echocardiography, performed by ultrasound, is used to study the structure of an unborn baby’s heart in great detail. It is offered to women who are at a higher risk for giving birth to a baby with a heart defect.

Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis places a thin needle through the mother’s abdominal wall into the amniotic sac to obtain fluid for fetal testing. This is often done to test for genetic disorders such as Down’s Syndrome or birth defects such as Spina Bifida.

Non-Stress Testing (NST)

Non-Stress Testing uses external fetal monitors to track the baby’s heart rate and measure uterine contractions. It is performed when there is suspicion that the placenta may not be functioning well. Examples include post-dates pregnancies (pregnancies that last more than 42 weeks), suspected poor fetal growth, and previous pregnancy complications.

Location

The Mercy Hospital Perinatal Testing Center is located on the fourth floor of the hospital (565 Abbott Road, Buffalo, NY) and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Becoming a Patient

Making an Appointment

To make an appointment, you’ll need to know which test you need to have and a prescription from the doctor who ordered it. You can make an appointment by calling the Perinatal Testing Center at (716) 828-3650.

What to Bring

Please bring your prescription and your insurance card. Your copay is due at time of service.

Visitors

Your appointment with the Perinatal Testing Unit is for a technical medical procedure that requires the concentration of our ultrasound technicians and nurses. You are welcome to have someone accompany you, but we request that you do not bring children.

Where to Register

When you arrive, please come to the fourth floor. We register patients in the department.

More Information

For more information about perinatal testing, please call us at (716) 828-3650.