Procedure

Amniocentesis

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Amniocentesis

  • See Also
  1. Antenatal Screening
  • Definition
  1. Definitive, second trimester Antenatal Screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities
  • Indications
  1. Antenatal Screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities for high risk pregnancies
  • Protocol
  1. Timing
    1. Safest time period: 16-18 weeks gestation
    2. Range of sampling time: 14-20 weeks gestation
  2. Technique
    1. Amniotic fluid sampled transabdominally under Ultrasound guidance
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Pregnancy loss (0.3 to 1% risk)
  2. Vaginal spotting
  3. Amniotic fluid leak
  4. Chorioamnionitis
  5. Fetal injury from Amniocentesis needle
  6. Failed procedure in which fetal cells in amniotic fluid do not grow in culture
  1. Test Sensitivity: 99.4%
  • References
  1. Anderson (2009) Am Fam Physician 79(2): 117-24 [PubMed]
  2. Caughey (2006) Obstet Gynecol 108: 612-6 [PubMed]