Chromosome Analysis, Amniotic Fluid Test

Amniocentesis (also referred to as amniotic fluid test or AFT) is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and foetal infections, and also for sex determination, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains foetal tissues, is sampled from the amniotic sac surrounding a developing foetus, and then the foetal DNA is examined for genetic abnormalities. Amniocentesis (or another procedure, called chorionic villus sampling (CVS)) can diagnose these problems in the womb. Amniocentesis is performed when a woman is between 14 and 16 weeks gestation.

It might be helpful to have your bladder full during the procedure to support the uterus. Drink plenty of fluids before your appointment. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your bladder should be empty during amniocentesis to minimize the chance of puncture. Your health care provider will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form before the procedure begins. Consider asking someone to accompany you to the appointment for emotional support or to drive you home afterward.

This process can be used for prenatal sex discernment and hence this procedure has legal restrictions in some countries. used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections. In which a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is sampled from the amniotic sac surrounding a developing foetus and the DNA is tested for genetic abnormalities. The most common reason to have an 'amnio' is to determine whether a baby has certain genetic disorders or a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome.

Please follow the instructions given by the lab in charge Amniocentesis is a prenatal test in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the sac surrounding the foetus for testing. The sample of amniotic fluid (less than one ounce) is removed through a fine needle inserted into the uterus through the abdomen, under ultrasound guidance. The Specimen removed from uterus is tested in the lab and results sent to the doctor.