Current Options for Prenatal Genetic Testing
PROGRAM CNE003
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2011 &n
ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: 1.0 HOUR
Click here to complete the posttest and obtain a CE certificate online
STATEMENT OF NEED
Until recently, the purpose of prenatal care was to protect the health of the mother. With the increasing understanding of fetal development, the focus of screening has in recent years been expanded to include concerns for the health and development of the fetus as well as the mother. This shift in focus and advancements in prenatal medicine has expanded the use of diagnostic and screening tests to include all pregnant women in the United States.
Over the years, the number of prenatal screening tests has increased dramatically. Clinicians involved in women’s health and infertility should be familiar with the different tests that are available, the type of tests and procedures used during pregnancy, and whether it should be performed during the first or the second trimester of pregnancy.
The sensitivity and specificity of prenatal screening tests are now higher than ever before, and the risks associated with diagnostic procedures are lower than before. Offering these tests to women during pregnancy can allow future parents and their clinicians to prepare for and address ahead of time any issues related to genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and ensure better prognosis for mother and child.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Nurses whose primary interest is women’s health and infertility.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this activity, the reader should be able to:
- Describe the advances in prenatal screening over the years and the reasons for administering these tests and procedures
- Discuss the various prenatal screening tests and procedures available today and their benefits in identifying potential genetic disorders
- Review the risks of having a child with a chromosomal disorder such as Down syndrome and why this is important in the context of prenatal genetic testing
CONTINUING NURSING EDUCATION ACCREDITATION AND CONTACT HOURS STATEMENT
Science Care is approved by the California Board of Reg i stered Nursing, Provider number 15559, for 1.0 contact hour.
METHOD OF PARTICIPATION
- Read the article in its entirety
- Select “Click here to complete the posttest and obtain a CE certificate online”
- Complete and submit the CE posttest and CE activity evaluation
- Print your Certificate of Credit This activity is provided free of charge to participants.
FACULTY DISCLOSURES
As a provider accredited by the California Board of Reg istered Nursing, Science Care must ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all its activities. All course directors, faculty, planners, and any other individual in a position to control the content of this educational activity are required to disclose to the audience any relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. Science Care must determine if the faculty’s relationships may influence the educational content with regard to exposition or conclusion and resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the commencement of the educational activity. Disclosures are as follows:
- Eric Czuprenski, BS, has nothing to disclose.
- Lauren Isley, BS, has nothing to disclose.
- Sarah Keilman, MS, CGC, has nothing to disclose.
- Norah S. Nutter, MSN, WHNP-BC, IBCLC, has nothing to disclose.
- Dalia Buffery, MA, ABD, has nothing to disclose.
- The staff members of Science Care have nothing to disclose.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty, authors, and other experts whose input is included in this program are their own and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Science Care or Novellus Healthcare Communications, LLC.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
Copyright © 2011 Science Care. All rights reserved.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Eric Czuprenski, BS
Molecular Biologist Genesis Genetics Institute
5555 Conner, Suite 1100
Detroit, MI 48213
Sarah Keilman, MS, CGC
Certified Genetic Counselor
Genesis Genetics Institute
5555 Conner, Suite 1100
Detroit, MI 48213
Lauren Isley, BS
Genetic Counseling Student
Wayne State University
Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics
540 East Canfield Detroit, MI 48201
Norah S. Nutter, MSN, WHNP-BC, LBCLC
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Magnolia OB/GYN
8203 Nigels Drive, Suite 100
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572