What Amniocentesis Actually Is
A tiny fluid sample reveals big answers.
↳ Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that examines amniotic fluid to learn about the developing baby.
Kit Library / Science / Biology
⚡ Topic Learning KitAmniocentesis: Purpose, Procedure and Concerns
English 19 leveled MCQs 25 flashcards 9 games Free
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Why Amniotic Fluid Is So Useful
The fluid carries clues about the baby.
Amniotic fluid contains foetal cells shed by the baby. By studying these cells, doctors can detect certain genetic and developmental disorders before birth.
↳ The foetal cells in amniotic fluid are the key that makes this test diagnostic.
How the Test Is Done
A thin needle, a small sample.
↳ Amniocentesis is a guided procedure — ultrasound ensures the needle safely reaches the fluid.
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1
Amniocentesis: Purpose, Procedure and Concerns
Amniocentesis is a medical test in which a small sample of the fluid surrounding a developing baby (amniotic fluid) is taken and examined. It helps detect certain genetic or developmental conditions before birth. Because…
- Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that samples amniotic fluid.
- Amniotic fluid contains foetal cells with the baby's genetic information.
- The test is usually performed between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy.
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19 questions laddered from warm-up to topper-level, each with an explanation. A taste:
What is amniocentesis?
Beginner
A An imaging scan that shows the baby's structure
B A routine blood test done in early pregnancy
C A surgical procedure to end a pregnancy
D A prenatal diagnostic test that samples amniotic fluid
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A prenatal diagnostic test that samples amniotic fluid
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is drawn and examined. It is not an abortion procedure, not a blood test, and not an imaging scan.
The word 'amniocentesis' is derived from *amnion* and *centesis*. What does *centesis* mean?
Beginner
A Membrane
B Puncturing
C Chromosome
D Fluid
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Puncturing
*Centesis* means puncturing, so amniocentesis literally means puncturing the amnion — the membrane around the foetus.
Amniocentesis is usually performed between which weeks of pregnancy?
Beginner
A The 30th and 35th week
B The 15th and 20th week
C The 1st and 5th week
D The 10th and 13th week
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The 15th and 20th week
Amniocentesis is usually done between the 15th and 20th week of pregnancy. The 10th–13th week window belongs to chorionic villus sampling, not amniocentesis.
Why does amniotic fluid contain the baby's genetic information?
Beginner
A It absorbs DNA from the mother's diet
B It stores hormones made by the placenta
C It carries maternal red blood cells
D It contains foetal cells shed by the baby
Show answer & explanation
It contains foetal cells shed by the baby
Amniotic fluid contains foetal cells that have been shed by the developing baby, and these cells carry the baby's genetic information.
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