Specimen Collection and Handling

• Transabdominal amniocentesis: process of obtaining amniotic fluid sample
• Amniocentesis is done via needle aspiration into the AMNIOTIC SAC through the ABDOMEN.
• Amniocentesis may be safely performed when?

  after 14th week or 2nd trimester
• Amniocentesis is performed with the aid of a what?

  ultrasound
• Vaginal amniocentesis: carries greater risk of infection because of goes through the urethra which has possible bacteria.
• Weeks of 1st trimester?

  1-13
• Weeks of 2nd trimester?

  14-27 weeks
• Weeks of 3rd trimester?

  28-40
• What is the most common genetic disorder in fetus?

  Trisomy 21
• During what week does amniotic fluid can be used to test for chromosome analysis?

  Week 16
• During what semester is amniotic fluid used for testing and identifying FETAL DISTRESS and FETAL MATURITY?

  3rd semester
• Tubes for FETAL LUNG MATURITY must be placed in what?

  ice
• Tubes for BILIRUBIN determination must be protection from what?

  light
• Tubes for CYTOGENETIC or MICROBIAL STUDIES must be processed aseptically and stored at what temperature?

  body or room temperature
• Tubes for CHEMICAL TESTING must be separated from cellular elements via what?

  centrifugation or filtration