Ultrasound examination before amniocentesis and success of culture in genetic referrals. Six years' experience in Cape Town
Smart, R.D.; Jordaan, H.; Ross, J.; Nelson, M.M.; Coetzee, E.J.
South African Medical Journal 67(10): 368-369
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3885421 Document Number: 246659
Our experience in Cape Town shows that ultrasound examination is of great benefit when amniocentesis is performed to obtain amniotic fluid cells for metaphase plates from patients at risk of carrying a fetus with a genetic disorder. Data taken over a period of 6 years show that the number of blood-contaminated fluid specimens decreases significantly when patients are scanned before amniocentesis is performed. The presence of blood in the fluid increases the possibility that cells will not grow in culture. There was no evidence to suggest that ultrasound examination inhibited amniotic fluid cell growth in culture.