Amniocentesis

Amniocentesis is a technique used to collect amniotic fluid. This fluid contains cells that have sloughed off the foetus skin or mucosae that can be used to diagnose all chromosomal abnormalities and many genetic diseases for which the DNA can be studied.

It is performed, for genetic purposes, at around the 16^th week, under continuous ultrasound guidance. It is usually painless and does not require any local anaesthesia or special preparation.

Unlike the chorionic villi, amniotic fluid cells can only be analysed once they have been stimulated to divide in culture. Consequently, their full analysis takes approximately 3 weeks; however, partial results can be obtained within 48-71 hours using techniques such as FISH or PCR.

Call your preferred centre for an appointment.

SISMeR provides its patients with useful information on topics related to infertility and Medically-Assisted Procreation techniques. For this, it has published a series of booklets that are given to patients when they visit their SISMeR Centre.