Amniocentesis

Alternative names:

culture - amniotic cells; cultures - amniotic cells

How the test is performed:

The exact location of the fetus is determined, usually by ultrasound (see pregnancy ultrasound). The skin of the abdomen is scrubbed and a topical anesthetic may be applied, or a local anesthetic may be injected into the skin. A long, thin needle is inserted through the abdomen and into the uterus. A small amount of fluid is taken from the fluid-filled sac surrounding the fetus (usually about 1 cc. per week of gestation).

How to prepare for the test:

This test does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. You must sign a consent form. Your bladder must be full for the ultrasound. There are no food or fluid restrictions.

How the test will feel:

If an anesthetic is used, there may be a sharp, stinging sensation for a few seconds. When the needle enters into the amniotic sac, a sharp pain lasting a few seconds may be felt. Some women have the sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen when the fluid is withdrawn. After the procedure there may be some minor cramping.

Why the test is 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) and anencephaly (a condition in which the brain is incomplete or missing), as well as many rare inherited metabolic disorders.

Later on in a pregnancy, the test is used to identify suspected problems such as a blood group problem or infection.

It is also used to determine whether a fetus in distress is mature enough to survive an early birth. Late in the pregnancy, lung maturity can be determined using this test.

Update Date: 02/09/00 Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial