Amniocentesis

• Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that involves obtaining a small sample of amniotic fluid for chromosomal analysis



• Amniocentesis can detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, .
• Amniocentesis can also detect some genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, .
• Amniocentesis can also detect neural tube defects such as spina bifida or anencephaly by measuring the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the amniotic fluid
• Amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation
• Amniocentesis involves inserting a thin needle through the abdomen and uterus and withdrawing a small amount of amniotic fluid under ultrasound guidance
• Amniocentesis has a risk of miscarriage of about 0.1% to 0.3%
• Amniocentesis has a risk of infection, bleeding, cramping, leaking of amniotic fluid, Rh sensitization, injury to the fetus or placenta.



• Amniocentesis results are usually available within 10 to 14 days