Fetal Blood Volume (by Blood Flow Measurement)
This test measures the amount of blood circulating in your baby’s body during pregnancy. It helps assess fetal health and growth by evaluating blood flow and volume.
["This test supports monitoring fetal well-being and detecting potential issues with circulation or growth."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75308-7
- Short code
- Fetal blood Vol Bld FC
- Synonyms
- Fetal blood Vol Bld FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re at higher risk for complications like placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, or other conditions affecting blood flow. It’s also used during certain prenatal screenings or when monitoring high-risk pregnancies.
What Does the Test Involve?
The test typically uses ultrasound technology to measure blood flow through your baby’s vessels. A small probe is placed on your abdomen, and gentle pressure is applied to capture images of blood movement. The procedure is quick and painless for you, though your baby may feel some pressure.
How Is the Test Performed?
No preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to lie on your back for a few minutes. The technician will apply a gel to your skin to improve the ultrasound image quality. The test itself takes about 15–30 minutes.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are interpreted by a specialist to compare your baby’s blood volume with expected ranges for their gestational age. Abnormal findings may signal the need for further evaluation, such as additional ultrasounds or specialist consultations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low fetal blood volume may indicate poor placental function, reduced fetal growth, or other complications. High blood volume could suggest conditions like polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) or certain genetic syndromes. Early detection helps guide interventions like monitoring, medication, or specialized care to support fetal health.
Short name
Fetal Blood Volume
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Low or High Blood Volume Mean?
Will This Test Affect My Baby?
How Often Will I Need This Test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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