Fetal Blood Sampling Amniocentesis is the process of taking a small amount of the amniotic fluid from around the developing fetus to allow it to be sent to the laboratory for testing. It is used to detect Downs Syndrome or other chromosome abnormalities in the fetuses of couples who are at increased risk of having an affected child. These include couples in which the mother is aged 35 years or more, or have already had a baby with a chromosome problem, or who have an inherited chromosome problem in the family. There are other less common reasons for amniocentesis as well. Amniocentesis is an out-patient procedure carried out between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy.
Partners are welcome to attend.
It takes about 30 minutes and no special preparation is necessary. You will need to know your blood group and if you are rhesus negative you will be given an injection after the procedure. The Consultant will explain why this is necessary. The fluid is sent to CGS in London for testing. Chromosome tests and spina bifida tests are performed.