OBJECTIVETo assess the accuracy of quantitative fluorescence PCR(QF-PCR) for the detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies and its values for prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSQF-PCR and chromosomal karyotyping were used to analyze 6066 amniotic fluid samples derived from 6034 pregnant women.

RESULTSBoth QF-PCR and karyotyping analysis have detected 135 cases of fetal aneuploidies involving chromosomes 21, 18, 13, X, and Y. The QF-PCR assay was also successful in 67 cases for which amniotic fluid culture has failed. Furthermore, it has identified maternal cell contamination in 7 cases. By determining the consistency of short tandem repeat (STR) sites, the QF-PCR assay has identified 22 dizygotic twins among 32 twins with double chorions and double amniotic sacs. In 12 cases, it has signaled numerical chromosomal aberration by critical or partial abnormal values for the fluorescence peak area ratio, which were verified by karyotyping analysis as mosaicisms of chromosome aneuploidies.

CONCLUSIONThe QF-PCR can provide an useful supplement for chromosomal karyotyping and has an important role in rapid prenatal diagnosis.