Ultrasonography preceding diagnostic amniocentesis and its effect on amniotic fluid cell growth.
Experience with 107 consecutive patients with and without ultrasonography preceding diagnostic amniocentesis is presented. Cell cultures and alpha-fetoprotein levels were obtained on all specimens. Adequate cell growth was found in both groups. The frequency of bloody taps was reduced from 15 to 6.9% and of repeat taps from 6.3 to 0%. Possible complications of amniocentesis which might be avoided by prior ultrasonography are discussed. The use of gray scale or real time ultrasonography prior to diagnostic amniocentesis is stressed.
D000328:Adult; D000649:Amniocentesis / Q000379:methods*; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008938:Mitosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography