The genetic testing program of Sutter Women's Services provides families with the information they need to make important decisions on conception, pregnancy, and the health of their baby. Staffed by geneticists, genetic counselors, diagnostic experts and maternal-fetal specialists, the goal of the program is to help ensure a healthy outcome for each pregnancy. Women undergo testing for a variety of reasons, including:

• Advanced maternal age


• Family history of genetic abnormalities


• Repeated miscarriages


• Fetal distress


• Exposure to drugs, toxins, infections and other agents suspected of causing birth defects


• Carrier testing for recessive genes, i.e., Tay-Sachs, Sickle Cell, Cystic Fibrosis and inherited anemias


• Death of a child


• Current health issues, including cancer

A number of tests are available to help assess genetic issues, including:

• Blood testing for genetic markers and chromosome abnormalities


• Amniocentesis


• Chorionic villus sampling (CSV)


• Fetal (percutaneous umbilical) blood Sampling (PUBS)- a test to detect genetic and other problems done by extracting blood through a needle inserted through the mother's abdomen into the umbilical cord.


• Targeted fetal ultrasound imaging


• Fetal blood sampling


• Non-stress testing


• Biophysical profiles


• Doppler blood flow - an ultrasound test that measures the flow of blood through a blood vessel. The test could be used to measure blood flow in the umbilical cord or the baby's brain or heart.

In the event that testing uncovers a genetic concern, parents are provided with an understanding of the potential problems; given access to the latest research; put in contact with community resources, including other parents dealing with the same conditions; and provided with resources to allow the necessary emotional adjustment.

More information about prenatal tests is available on our babies.sutterhealth.org web site You can also find information on on genetic testing in our health information section.

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