Diagnostic amniocentesis is one of the most useful technique for the prenatal detection of genetic disorders. Traditionally standard amniocentesis has been most commonly performed during the 2nd trimester from 16 to 20 weeks` gestation. Our laboratory has received 1,284 midtrimester amniotic fluid specimens during the past 5 year period for cytogenetic analysis and 1,274 were successfully cultured and yielded results. This study was based on data from 1,274 genetic amniocentesis performed at CHA General Hospital from Jan. 1991 to Dec. 1995. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 61(4.8%) of the cases. There were 23 cases of aneuploidy, 37 cases of chromosomal rearrangemen t and 1 case of mosaicism.
Amniocentesis ; Amniotic Fluid ; Aneuploidy ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Female ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Mosaicism ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second* ; Prenatal Diagnosis