Amniotic Fluid Deepest Vertical Pocket (DVP) Ultrasound
An ultrasound measurement of the deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby, performed during pregnancy to evaluate fetal well-being and help determine whether your amniotic fluid levels are normal, too low, or too high for a healthy pregnancy.
{"Measures the deepest pocket of amniotic fluid around the baby","Helps doctors check if the baby has enough amniotic fluid","Used to monitor high-risk pregnancies or due dates","A safe, painless ultrasound procedure","Results help guide pregnancy care decisions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11817-4
- Short code
- Fet AF space Area Diam lgst pk US.meas
- Synonyms
- Fet AF space Area Diam lgst pk US.meas
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-measured
- CPT
- 82378
- SNOMED
- 394995008
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Amniotic Fluid Deepest Vertical Pocket (DVP) Ultrasound is a prenatal ultrasound exam that measures the largest pocket of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby in the womb. This measurement helps your healthcare provider assess whether you have normal, too much, or too little amniotic fluid.
How is the test performed?
During this ultrasound exam, a technician or doctor will place a gel on your abdomen and use a transducer (a small device) to send sound waves into your uterus. The sound waves create images that show the amniotic fluid pockets around your baby. They will measure the deepest vertical pocket of fluid in centimeters. A measurement of 2 cm or less may indicate low amni fluid (oligohydramnios), while 8 cm or more may indicate excess fluid (polyhydramnios).
Why is it important?
Amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in protecting your baby, helping lungs develop, and allowing free movement for proper bone and muscle development. This test helps doctors monitor your baby's health, especially in high-risk pregnancies, post-term pregnancies, or when there are concerns about fetal growth.
Reference range
Non-smokers: <2.5 ng/mL; Smokers: <5.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. For PSA, avoid sexual activity for 24-48 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps detect amniotic fluid abnormalities. Low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) may indicate problems with kidney development, placental issues, or preterm rupture of membranes. High amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) may suggest gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancy, or fetal abnormalities. The deepest vertical pocket measurement is part of the biophysical profile used to assess fetal well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does the test take?
Do I need to prepare anything before the test?
Is this test safe for my baby?
What happens if my fluid levels are abnormal?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy