Fetal ascitic fluid: a new source of lymphocytes for rapid chromosomal analysis.
BACKGROUND
The cells found in ascites can be processed like amniotic fluid for fetal karyotyping. We have characterized these cells and used them for a rapid cytogenetic result.


METHODS
Three patients presented with massive fetal ascites detected by sonography. Samples of ascitic fluid were obtained at fetal paracentesis. Cells from the fluid were cultured using standard methods for fetal blood, and were compared with fetal blood lymphocytes and amniocytes. The length of time in culture, chromosome morphology, and mitotic index of ascitic fluid cells were equivalent to those of fetal blood. In the third case, we performed immunophenotyping on the ascitic fluid cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Ascitic fluid contains lymphocytes that permit rapid chromosomal analysis within 96 hours.
Wax
J R
JR
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Blakemore
K J
KJ
Soloski
M J
MJ
Gibson
M
M
Stetten
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis*; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008214:Lymphocytes; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*