Intermediate
Technical
IVT
amniocentesis
Diagnostic procedure involving needle insertion through the maternal abdomen to sample amniotic fluid for fetal assessment.
Full Definition
A prenatal diagnostic procedure where a thin needle is inserted through the maternal abdomen and uterine wall to extract amniotic fluid for genetic, chromosomal, or biochemical analysis of the fetus. In fetal surgery contexts, it may be performed to assess fetal lung maturity, infection status, or as part of pre-operative evaluation. The procedure is typically performed under ultrasound guidance between 15-20 weeks of gestation.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'amnio' in clinical notes, but spell out in formal reports.
In Context
- "Amniocentesis was performed prior to fetal surgery to rule out chromosomal abnormalities." — Pre-operative assessment report
- "The amniocentesis results confirmed fetal lung immaturity at 28 weeks gestation." — Maternal-fetal medicine consultation
Also known as
amniotic fluid sampling
Don't confuse with
cordocentesis
chorionic villus sampling