Z36: Antenatal screening

Z36.0: Antenatal screening for chromosomal anomalies

With an ante-natal screening test, certain disorders or abnormalities can be detected before the child is born. The test was done in order to look for changes in the genetic information.

When beginning its development, every single cell in the body contains a complete blueprint of the body. This blueprint consists of genetic information. The genetic information is encrypted in the chromosomes. Every human cell normally contains 23 chromosome pairs, i.e. a total of 46 chromosomes.

An ultrasound test or a blood test, for example, can be done to study the genetic information. The genetic information itself cannot be studied with these tests. However, indicators of possible changes may be found. To study the genetic information itself, a sample of amniotic fluid or placenta tissue is taken. The sample can be used to determine, for example, how many chromosomes the child's cells contain.