ULTRASONOGRAPHY PRECEDING DIAGNOSTIC AMNIOCENTESIS AND ITS EFFECT ON AMNIOTIC-FLUID CELL-GROWTH

Abstract

Experience with 107 consecutive patients with and without ultrasonography preceding diagnostic amniocentesis is presented. Cell cultures and .alpha.-fetoprotein levels were obtained on all specimens. Adequate cell growth was found in both groups. The frequency of bloody taps was reduced from 15 to 6.9% and of repeat taps from 6.3 to 0%. Possible complications of amniocentesis which may be avoided by prior ultrasonography are discussed. The use of gray scale or real time ultrasonography prior to diagnostic amniocentesis is stressed.