biophysical profile

profile [pro´fīl]

1. a simple outline, as of the side view of the head or face.

2. a graph representing quantitatively a set of characteristics determined by tests.

biophysical profile a numeric scoring system used to assess the well-being of the fetus in high-risk pregnancies, based on the nonstress test combined with sonographic evaluation of fetal breathing, fetal movements, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume, and, sometimes, the echogenicity of the placenta.

PULSES profile a tool for early functional assessment, comprising assessment of physical condition, upper limb function, lower limb function, sensory components, excretory function, and emotional or mental status.

urethral pressure profile (UPP) a record of the resistance of the urethra to fluid flow, measured as variations in urethral pressure. A liquid or gas is pumped into the bladder with a catheter in place and the catheter is slowly withdrawn while measurements are taken of the pressure at various points in the urethra. It is usually done from the internal orifice to the external orifice in females and from the internal orifice to the sphincter urethrae muscle in males.

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biophysical profile

Obstetrics The measurement of 5 physical parameters in fetuses at ↑ risk for poor outcome, a non-stress test which evaluates the reactivity of the heart rate to various stresses, other parameters are measured simultaneously by dynamic ultrasound imaging: Fetal breathing movement–a non-stress test, fetal muscle tone, gross body movement, and amniotic fluid volume