What is Genetic Ultrasound?

Genetic Ultrasound is a technique in which fetuses are examined for anatomical defects that have been associated with an increased risk for Down syndrome. The reason that this concept was developed was because of the number of physical features identified in children with this condition. The following table describes the features of newborns and children with Down syndrome.

Various types of ultrasound modalities, real-time B-mode, color Doppler, and 3D ultrasound, enables the physician to examine fetal anatomy and identify features of Down syndrome from the ultrasound image. The following illustrates some of the abnormalities associated with an increased risk for Down syndrome.

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To review the features of Genetic Ultrasound using routine or B-mode ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, and 3D ultrasound, click the titles in the left panel.