###1: Fetal Umbilical Cord Placental Insertion Site Ultrasound
###3: This prenatal ultrasound evaluates where the fetal umbilical cord attaches to the placenta. It helps assess the placental connection and documents the cord’s position.
["###4: This ultrasound shows where the umbilical cord joins the placenta and may help identify abnormalities that require additional monitoring."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11952-9
- Short code
- Fet Umb cord.plc Insertion site US
- Synonyms
- Fet Umb cord.plc Insertion site US
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 17
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us
- 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
###5: What the test examines
###6: The ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the fetus, placenta, and umbilical cord. It focuses on the site where the cord enters the placenta, including the general location of the attachment.
###7: How the examination is performed
###8: A trained sonographer places an ultrasound probe on the pregnant patient’s abdomen and records images of the placental attachment site. The examination is usually painless and does not use ionizing radiation.
###9: Why the insertion site is important
###10: The location of the umbilical cord attachment can be associated with differences in placental function, fetal growth, or bleeding risk. The images are interpreted together with the rest of the pregnancy ultrasound and clinical history.
###11: What the results mean
###12: A report may describe the insertion site as typical, unusual, marginal, or velamentous. A marginal attachment is close to the placental edge, while a velamentous attachment occurs when the cord travels through the membranes before reaching the placenta.
Reference range
NCBI: NSE 0-17 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
###13: Clinical significance: Identifying an unusual cord insertion can help the care team evaluate possible risks, plan follow-up ultrasounds, and monitor fetal growth and placental function. An abnormal attachment does not necessarily mean that a complication will occur, and interpretation depends on the complete ultrasound findings and pregnancy history.
Short name
###2: Umbilical cord insertion-site ultrasound
Frequently asked questions
###14: Is this the same as a standard pregnancy ultrasound?
###16: Does an unusual insertion site always cause problems?
###18: Can this test identify other umbilical cord abnormalities?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy