Biophysical Profile

The Challenge

The biophysical profile (BPP) is one of several tests used to evaluate fetal health and reserve. Of the tests used for fetal assessment, the BPP is the most technologically intensive and most expensive, but it carries the lowest false-positive and false-negative rates (0.6–1/1000).

• Scope of the Problem: Of pregnancies, 3%–12% are at risk because of gestations that extend beyond term and more may be compromised by maternal disease states that affect fetal health or placental function (eg, hypertension, diabetes), resulting in abnormalities of fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume and other problems.

• Objectives of Test: To assess fetal health and reserve.