Ultrasonography for guidance of amniocentesis in genetic counseling

Abstract

The value of preliminary ultrasonography as a guide for amniocentesis in the early 2nd trimester of pregnancy was prospectively evaluated. Patients [150] were alternately assigned to a control group or to an ultrasound group who underwent examination with a real-time scanner immediately prior to amniocentesis. All amniotic fluid samples were assessed as to the presence of blood by visual observation during the amniocentesis, by appearance of the centrifugate, and by microscopic analysis. Ultrasonography did not reduce the failure rate, the incidence of multiple needle insertions, or the proportion of amniotic fluid samples containing blood.