Blog | Dr Tony Tan

First Trimester Screening (FTS)

The FTS must be performed between 11+ weeks to 13 weeks 6 days gestation, best around 12 weeks. This is performed via: 1. History 2....

Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)

One needs to understand the different types of chromosomal abnormalities to decide which tests to do. 1. Large chromosomal abnormalities...

Fetuses with increased NT (nuchal translucency)

The majority of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) detected at the routine first trimester scan at 11-13 weeks gestation are...

Second Trimester Screening

Second Trimester Screening Scan or Fetal Anomaly Scan at 18-22 weeks This scan typically takes 30 minutes but may take longer if the baby...

Third Trimester Growth Scan (including 3D / 4D if the conditions are right)

This is usually done at 30 to 37 weeks. The following details are assessed at this scan: a) Measurements of head circumference,...

Amniocentesis and CVS (chorionic villus sampling)

Invasive diagnostic procedures like amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) are performed under ultrasound guidance to obtain...

Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction (QF-PCR)

QF-PCR is a common test used in many laboratories for the quick identification of the common chromosomal aneuploidies like Trisomies...

Conventional karyotype

Conventional karyotype is a genetic test that examines the size, shape and number of chromosomes in a sample of cells. The turn around...

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) test

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) test allows the detection of clinically significant microdeletions or microduplications that are bigger than...

Whole exome sequencing (WES) [Trio]

Introduction DNA sequencing is the process of finding the order of the building blocks (i.e. nucleotides) of the genetic code of an...

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) [trio]

Introduction DNA sequencing is the process of finding the order of the building blocks (i.e. nucleotides) of the genetic code of an...

Single gene testing

Single gene testing may be performed on amniocentesis or CVS sample if a specific gene abnormality is suspected because of: 1. very...

Targeted gene panels

Targeted gene panels may be performed on amniocentesis or CVS sample if a specific abnormalities are suspected because of specific fetal...

Screen for chromosomal and / or genetic abnormalities

Most parents do tests to reassure themselves that the fetus is at low risk for some (not ALL) common chromosomal abnormalities that can...

General advice in first trimester

Dietary 1. To avoid toxoplasmosis, avoid: a) eating undercooked contaminated meat (especially beef, pork, lamb, venison) or shellfish...

Thyroid problems during pregnancy

The thyroid gland at the neck produces thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism in the body. Common disorders of the thyroid gland...

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the womb. Often, this is considered as a last ditch attempt after failed medical treatment to...

Iron deficiency during pregnancy

Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy. This is especially common amongst pregnant women in the third trimester. Local studies have...

BMI >= 25 during pregnancy

There is now much data that shows that the following risks are increased if the BMI is >= 25: During pregnancy 1. Miscarriages 2. Fetal...

BMI >= 25 and trying to conceive

BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres. There is now much data that shows that the following risks are...