Medical disorders in pregnancy: haemoglobinopathy: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Medical disorders in pregnancy: haemoglobinopathy

Sample item

Both partners are carriers of beta thalassaemia trait. At what stage and by what method can prenatal diagnosis be done earliest?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. CVS at 10 to 13 weeks with DNA analysis

Prenatal diagnosis of beta thalassaemia major is by DNA mutation analysis on chorionic villus tissue at 10 to 13 weeks. This allows early termination under the MTP Act if the fetus is affected. HPLC screening is used to detect carriers early in pregnancy.

Option by option

  • A. Maternal serum AFP

    AFP is not related.

  • B. Anomaly scan at 20 weeks

    Ultrasound cannot diagnose thalassaemia early.

  • C. Amniocentesis at 30 weeks

    Amniocentesis at 30 weeks is too late.

  • D. CVS at 10 to 13 weeks with DNA analysis (correct)

    Correct. CVS gives early molecular diagnosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is D, CVS at 10 to 13 weeks with DNA analysis. Prenatal diagnosis of beta thalassaemia major is by DNA mutation analysis on chorionic villus tissue at 10 to 13 weeks.

Why is "Maternal serum AFP" not the answer?

AFP is not related.

Why is "Anomaly scan at 20 weeks" not the answer?

Ultrasound cannot diagnose thalassaemia early.

Why is "Amniocentesis at 30 weeks" not the answer?

Amniocentesis at 30 weeks is too late.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Medical disorders in pregnancy: haemoglobinopathy in OBG. This allows early termination under the MTP Act if the fetus is affected. HPLC screening is used to detect carriers early in pregnancy.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Medical disorders in pregnancy: haemoglobinopathy?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.