Amniocentesis
What it means?
It means taking out amniotic fluid from the pockets of fluid surrounding the baby and submitting this fluid to a genetic laboratory for various tests.
Who are suitable candidates?
Various indications for amniocentesis are:-
- Abnormal triple test
- Suspicion of genetic abnormalities on ultrasound
- Known genetic disease in family e.g. Thalassaemia, DMD, etc.
- Older women
- Previously affected baby
Who should not get amniocentesis?
- History of recurrent abortions
- Normal NIPT
- Confirmed abnormality on ultrasound
- Vaginal bleeding
What are its main steps?
- Counselling and consent
- Aspiration of amniotic fluid under local anaesthesia and ultrasound guidance
- Dispatch the sample to genetic laboratory FISH test or karyotype
- Receipt of report
- Reassurance and counselling if normal
- MTP if abnormal
Advantages:
- Highly reliable and confirmatory test
- Simple and safe day care procedure
- No after care required
Disadvantages:
- Abortion risk > 5 to 1%
- Cost
- Rarely failure of lab to give a report
- Delay of 2-3 weeks in getting the report
- Not all diseases can be diagnosed
- Limited genetic labs
Legal issues:
- Amniocentesis can only be done in authorized centres and authorized laboratories only can test the samples.
- MTP can only be done before 20 weeks.
- Appropriate forms and records need to be filled and saved.