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amniocentesis
(am″ne-o-sen-teĀ“sis)
transabdominal perforation of the amniotic sac in order to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid, which contains cells shed from the skin of the fetus as well as biochemical substances. Analyses of changes in chemical
and cellular composition of the fluid are helpful in assessing the maturation and viability of the fetus. Amniocentesis also
provides for prenatal diagnosis of certain genetically transmitted errors of metabolism, congenital abnormalities, and chromosomal
disorders. Many different inherited disorders can be detected by amniocentesis, sometimes in fetuses as young as 16 weeks'
gestation.
Amniocentesis.

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