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Amniotic Fluid

Description
Includes culture of amniotic fluid cells and preparation of Giemsa-banded chromosomes. Chromosome analysis includes two banded karyotypes, detailed examination of 10 cells, and count of 20 cells total from 10 - 15 colonies in two or more different cultures. Results are reported to the referring physician as soon as they are completed, which is usually withing eight days. Other biochemical or molecular analyses can be done directly or on cultured amniocytes, if indicated. Includes amniotic fluid AFP measurement.

Indications
• advanced maternal age
• abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings
• abnormal maternal serum triple screen results
• previous child with a chromosome abnormality
• familial chromosome rearrangement
• biochemical or molecular diagnosis of a familial genetic disorder

Specimen Requirements
15 cc amniotic fluid collected in a sterile Becton-Dickinson syringe and transferred to two sterile screw-cap tubes. Other syringes may have lubricants which may be harmful to the viability of amniocytes. Label tubes with patient's name and laboratory control number. Send to Great Lakes Genetics at room temperature within 24 hours of specimen collection. May be refrigerated overnight. Specimen cannot be frozen.

Reference Value
46,XX or 46,XY

Turn Around Time
5-14 days (generally 8 days)

CPT Codes
88269 - chromosome analysis, amniotic fluid
88235 - tissue culture for amniotic fluid
82106 - amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein