APC Test

The APC test enables the doctor to rule out a congenital, frequently unrecognized coagulation disorder (the so-called Factor V Leiden mutation).

This investigation is of fundamental importance for women who take hormonal preparations containing oestrogen, such as the birth control pill, or as part of hormone replacement therapy. These drugs, combined with a coagulation disorder, may cause serious complications.

The APC test is performed by taking a single blood sample. The result, if normal, reduces the risk of thrombosis substantially.

Therefore, this investigation is absolutely recommended before the start of hormone replacement therapy, when the birth control pill is first prescribed, and for women who have not undergone this test so far and are already taking the contraceptive pill.

Ultrasound of the Baby

The ultrasound investigation of a baby is always a very special event because it offers you the opportunity to view your offspring in detail, to see the heart beating, the profile of the face, and watch the infant’s movements.

From the medical point of view the ultrasound investigation enables us to assess the amniotic fluid, the placenta, and the child’s development. Thus we can draw conclusions about the child’s nourishment.

However, the ultrasound investigation does not serve to diagnose malformations and does not replace organ screening.

The ultrasound investigation of the baby is a part of the first, second, and fourth maternity card (Mutter-Kind-Pass) examinations, but is also meaningful during the third and fifth maternity card (MKP) examinations.

Gynaecological 3D Ultrasound

A 3D ultrasound examination is generally associated with attractive portrait photographs of the unborn child. This is a special event for the expectant parents. From the medical point of view, the 3D ultrasound investigation in obstetrics is a further means of assessing the child’s anatomical structures in great detail before the child is born. Many prenatal centres routinely use these options.

So far, 3D ultrasound has been used less frequently in gynaecology. However, even in gynaecology it improves the diagnostic investigation considerably. Malformations can be ruled out when clarifying the parents‘ unfulfilled desire for children. Functional disorders of the fallopian tubes can be investigated by examining the tubes. In cases of the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCO), the ovaries can be visualised systematically; details are seen in high resolution even in the early phase of pregnancy.

For us, the 3D transvaginal ultrasound investigation has become a valuable diagnostic tool for comprehensive clarification. Just a few years ago, the patient had to wait for a long time before obtaining an appointment at special outpatient departments. Today, a large majority of the investigations can be performed directly at our medical office.

Chlamydia Screening

A chlamydia infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Of patients who acquire the infection, 70% remain free of symptoms.

The guidelines of the Austrian Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ÖGGG), recommend screening for all women between the ages of 20 and 30 years.

Who is likely to be affected by this condition and should get themselves tested?

Sexually active women

What are the possible consequences of an untreated infection?

Serious inflammations with infertility and chronic joint inflammation.

You will find further details about chlamydia screening at the website of the ÖGGG.

STD Screening

For the enlightened and responsible woman of today, the clarification of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) is understandably of great significance. It is important for one’s own protection, for the protection of one’s partner, and also an essential part of medical prevention.

So-called STD’s include the following:

• Chlamydia infection
• Gonococcal infection (previously known as gonorrhoea)
• HIV infection
• Hepatitis B/C
• Syphilis infection

Testing for chlamydia and gonococci is done by taking a vaginal swab specimen. Testing for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis is done by taking a blood sample.

Regrettably, the statutory health insurance fund does not bear the expenses of STD screening.

In order to enable you to undergo the investigation and keep the costs within acceptable financial limits, we have devised a special individually adjustable option in cooperation with our partner laboratory.

Streptococcus Screening

Beta-haemolytic streptococci are germs that may occur in the entire body, including the vagina. They are entirely harmless for healthy adults and children. However, the same is not true of newborn infants, who can become infected during birth. About one of 100 babies whose mother has streptococci in the vagina develops blood poisoning or pneumonia after birth. In the worst case these conditions may turn fatal.

Therefore, women are advised to undergo the test during their pregnancy. The test is performed by taking a simple swab from the vagina at the 5th maternity card (Mutter-Kind-Pass) examination. Some hospitals also offer this examination. Please inquire at your hospital as to whether they offer the option of a smear test.

If a woman has streptococci in the vagina, she will receive antibiotics during the delivery so that she does not infect her child. Treatment during pregnancy is not meaningful because the woman could be re-infected easily with streptococci through her partner, and the baby would remain unprotected.