- Biophysical profile
- This is an antepartum test evaluating five separate parameters of fetal well being, often done when the nonstress test is abnormal or equivocal:
- Nonstress test
- Amniotic fluid index
- Ultrasound fetal movement
- Ultrasound fetal tone
- Ultrasound fetal breathing
- Each parameter is given a score of 0 or 2, and management decisions are made based on the cumulative score.
- Bone density
- BMD or bone mineral density is a measure of the character of bone. It is used to predict fracture risk.
- Typically, areas at risk for fracture are evaluated such as spine, femur and hip.
- There are numerous acceptable methods for measuring BMD.
- T score is the patient's BMD compared to the mean peak BMD for a 30-year old.
- Osteoporosis is diagnosed when the BMD is 2.5 standard deviations (SD) below the peak mean for a 30-year old or the T score is -2.5.
- Osteopenia is an intermediary condition of increased fracture risk diagnosed when the T score is -1.0 to -2.5.
- See also: National Osteoporosis Foundation.
