Which procedure would not be anticipated as part of genetic studies in a high-risk pregnancy?

• A. Chorionic villus sampling
• B. Amniocentesis
• C. Ultrasonography
• D. Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling

Answer: (C)

Ultrasonography would not be anticipated as part of genetic studies in a high-risk pregnancy because it is an imaging test, not an analysis of genetic material. It helps visualize fetal anatomy, growth, and placenta position, and can identify structural concerns or dating issues, but it does not examine chromosomes or DNA. In contrast, the procedures that provide genetic information involve obtaining fetal tissue or blood to analyze genes or chromosomes: chorionic villus sampling collects placental tissue for early genetic testing, amniocentesis collects amniotic fluid cells for karyotype or molecular analyses, and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling retrieves fetal blood for rapid genetic assessment. So while ultrasound is essential for monitoring and detecting anomalies, it does not give genetic data.