Amniocentesis
Alternate Names : Culture - Amniotic Cells, Culture - Amniotic Fluid
Definition Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure performed by inserting a hollow needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus and withdrawing a small amount of fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Why is the Test Performed?
The test can detect chromosomal disorders -- such as Down's syndrome, structural defects -- such as spina bifida (open spine, where the vertebrae fail to close), anencephaly (a condition in which the brain is incomplete or missing), and many rare, inherited metabolic disorders.
Later on in a pregnancy, the test may be used to identify suspected problems such as Rh incompatibility or infection.
Late in the pregnancy, lung maturity can be determined using this test.
|
