Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test carried out mainly between 14th to 18th week of pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid is taken from the uterus, sent to a diagnostic laboratory and embryonic cells isolated from the amniotic fluid.
No anaesthetic is required, and a result is usually obtained in about three to four weeks. When the test is carried out by an obstetrician experienced in the technique, the risk of a miscarriage related to the test is about 1 %.
Modified from: Checking your baby's health before birth. State Health Publication Number (PA) 94-090.
This page was last modified on 28 April 2012, at 13:52.