Doppler Flow Studies

The Challenge

Doppler flow studies (also known as Doppler velocimetry) constitute a group of tests used to evaluate fetal health and reserve by assessing blood flow characteristics in the umbilical cord, middle cerebral artery, or other vascular structures. Of the tests used for fetal assessment, Doppler flow studies are technologically intensive, expensive, and require special expertise to perform and interpret.

• Scope of the Problem: Of pregnancies, 3%–12% are at a 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 or amniotic fluid volume and other problems.

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