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Strong Advocacy for South Carolina Pregnancy Testing Error Victims
Trusted counsel for families of OB negligence in Anderson, Rock Hill, Columbia, Sumter, and Georgetown
OB/GYNs need to perform many tests on mothers during the nine-month pregnancy period. These tests help both the mother and the newborn leave the maternity ward healthy and happy. It can be considered medical malpractice if a healthcare professional fails to order the proper tests or fails to read the results of the test properly. Negligence also includes the failure to explain the results of the tests to the family. It is also malpractice if a doctor fails to respond properly to abnormal test results that indicate strong medical action is needed.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina OB malpractice lawyers have the experience, skills, and resources to fight for families who suffer harm or death due to medical testing errors. Our legal team works with professionals to understand the full range of medical issues the mother and child suffered.
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Common medical tests during the first trimester
The aim of the first trimester tests is to help determine if the fetus has any birth defects, such as Down Syndrome, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and fragile X syndrome.
The typical tests an obstetrician performs are:
- Ultrasound. This test, formally called a fetal nuchal translucency (NT) test looks for an increase in fluid or thickening in the back of the fetus's neck.
- PAPP-A. A pregnancy associated plasma protein screening test looks for abnormal levels of the protein, which is produced by the placenta. Abnormal levels indicate a danger of chromosome abnormality.
- hCG. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that is produced by the placenta. Abnormal levels indicate a chromosome abnormality.
If the tests are abnormal, then the parents may wish to consider genetic counseling. For a more accurate diagnosis, other tests such as a cell-free fetal DNA test or amniocentesis test may be necessary.
These are common texts that are performed during the first trimester of a pregnancy. If they are misread or not administered properly, you need a South Carolina birth malpractice attorney to defend your rights in a lawsuit.
Second trimester pregnancy tests
Second trimester tests are also aimed at determining whether the infant may be born with genetic or birth defect tests.
The main test is an AFP blood test done between weeks 15 and 20 of the pregnancy. An AFP test is formally called an alpha-fetoprotein screening test. Abnormal results can indicate Down syndrome, spina bifida, chromosomal irregularities abdominal wall, and defects in the fetus. The AFP test can indicate the mother has twins or that the due date is in error.
Second trimester testing also examines other markers, such as estriol and inhibin. Additional testing, including an amniocentesis or Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), may be ordered to get a better diagnosis.
Testing is not always accurate. There can be false-positives and false-negatives.
Additional tests may be required during the third trimester and even after the delivery of the newborn depending on how the pregnancy progresses. At every stage of the pregnancy, the OB/GYN should order the correct and appropriate tests.
Reasons for testing error malpractice
OB/GYNs have a duty to order and perform pregnancy tests and follow through with abnormal results. The duty must match the local medical standards. Some of the malpractice issues our South Carolina medical testing error lawyers review include:
- Were all the necessary tests ordered?
- Where the results of the tests interpreted the corrected way?
- Was there a misdiagnosis based on reading the test results improperly?
- Did the test match standards for the industry?
- Were the results of the tests properly communicated to the parents?
- Were the correct follow-up tests ordered?
If your doctor failed to follow the correct standards for performing a medical text during pregnancy, our lawyers can explain your legal options.
Make an appointment with an experienced South Carolina birth malpractice attorney today
The South Carolina OB negligence attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, have been helping local residents get justice for medical malpractice for more than 20 years. When a doctor does not perform to the expected standard of care when administering medical texts during pregnancy, we can help. Please call 803-327-7800 or complete our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation in one of our offices located in Rock Hill, Anderson, Columbia, Sumter, or Georgetown.