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Signs and Tests

A Doctor can tell if a newborn will have Down Syndrome just the way the baby looks. A blood test is down to see if the baby has extra Chromosomes. Karyotyping is a test to examine chromsomes in a simple of cells, which can help to identify genetic problems. This test counts the number of chromsomes the child has. The test is preformed on any tissue such as Amniotic fluid, blood, bone marrow, and tissue from the organ. The sample in placed in a special dish and allowed to grow. Cells are later taken from the growing sample and stained. Laboratory specialest use microscopes to examine the size, shape, and the number of chromosomes in the cell sample. The stained sample is photographed to provide a karyotyoe. Which shows the Chromsomes.

Other tests can be done, Such as:

Echocardiogram: (Usually done before birth) This checks for heart defects. uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. A trained Sonographer preforms the test, but the Doctor interprets the results. An instrument called a transducer that transmits high-frequency sound waves is placed on your ribs by the breast bone and directed toward the heart. Then other images will be taken underneath and slightly to the left of your nipple. The transducer picks up the echoes of the sound waves and transmits them as electrical impulses. The Echocardiography machine converts these impulses into moving pictures of the heart. The Doppler probe records the blood through the heart.

ECG: This records the electrical activity of the heart. You will be asked to lie down. The health care provider will clean  areas on your arms, legs, and chest, and attach small patches called electrodes to the areas needed. It may be good to shave or clip some hair so the electrodes stick to the skin. Then the electrodes are connected by wires to a machine then it converts the electrical signals from the heart to wavy lines, which are printed on paper and reviewed by the doctor.

X-Rays: Form of electromagnetic radiation. A machines sends are individual x-ray particles, called photons. these particles pass through the body. A computer or film records the images that were created. Much like photography, motion causes blurry images on radiographs, and thus, patients may be asked to hold their breath or not move during the brief exposure.

People woth Down Syndrome need to be screened for medical conditions.

• Eye exam- Every year during infancy.
• Hearing tests every 6-12 months.
• Dental exams every 6 months.
• X-Rays of the upper or cervical spine.
• Pap smears or pelvic exams during puberty or by age 21.

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