PRENATAL GENETIC DIAGNOSIS:
Indications for Prenatal Diagnosis
Risks
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES:
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Genetic Counseling
Amniocentesis
Alpha Fetoprotein Screening
RISK ASSESSMENTS:
UltraSound
First Trimester Screening
Second Trimester Screening
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| Amniocentesis
is the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid which surrounds the fetus.
Discarded cells from the fetal skin surface are present in the fluid and can be grown in
the laboratory for chromosome analysis. Chemical testing of the amniotic fluid can
also be performed if indicated. Amniocentesis is usually done between the 15th and
17th week following the last menstrual period.
Early Amniocentesis at the 13th or 14th week may be
considered when the couple is at a higher risk of an abnormality. The risk of
pregnancy loss may be slightly higher than routine amniocentesis but lower than chorionic
villus sampling. |
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