Individual tests

First-trimester screening has three parts, an ultrasound test for fetal nuchal translucency (NT), PAPP-A, and hCG. When used together, NT screening and maternal blood tests can better determine potential birth defects, such as Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, or Patau syndrome. Amniocentesis or other ultrasound procedures may also be necessary for accurate diagnosis if the results are abnormal.
Your body has four types of lipids: cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. HDL is good cholesterol because it helps absorb cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver, while the other types are considered bad cholesterol. These tests help you and your healthcare provider better understand your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.