Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a relatively painless procedure that is performed in a doctor’s office or hospital. A small amount of the amniotic fluid bathing a fetus is removed during amniocentesis to identify potential birth defects and many other problems. The procedure involves inserting a needle […]
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Here are definitions of medical terms related to amniocentesis: Alpha-fetoprotein: A protein, also called AFP, which the fetus produces in its liver and brain. The level of alpha-fetoprotein tends to increase in the amniotic fluid when a fetus has an open neural tube defect or abdominal wall defect. The protein can be found in adults as
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Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information about amniocentesis: The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Phone: 1-888-MODIMES (663-4637) http://www.modimes.org American Academy of Obstetricians and Gynecologists http://www.acog.org National Down Syndrome Society Phone: 1-800-221-4602 http://www.ndss.org National Tay-Sachs & Allied Disease Association Phone: 1-800-906-8723 http://www.ntsad.org Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Phone: 1-800-421-8453 http://www.sicklecelldisease.org Cord Blood
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Amniocentesis is a procedure performed during pregnancy in which amniotic fluid is withdrawn from a woman’s uterus to test for certain problems in the fetus, such as genetic defects, fetal infections, fetal lung immaturity, or Rh sensitization. The word “amniocentesis” literally means “puncture of the amnion,” the fluid-filled sac that encloses the fetus during pregnancy.
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There are two types of tests that can be performed on amniotic fluid to show different types of problems with the fetus: Genetic amniocentesis Chemical tests The cells in the amniotic fluid contain genetic material that can be used to observe chromosomal abnormalities or defects in specific genes. Biochemical substances, like proteins and lipids, can
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In amniocentesis, ultrasound (sound wave) monitoring is used to find the amniotic fluid and the placenta, to keep track of the fetus, and to insert the amniocentesis needle away from the baby. For more detailed information about ultrasound, go to Ultrasound. Drawing Amniotic Fluid The doctor or technician conducting the test will carefully clean the skin
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AIDS stands for Acquired imunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) Syndrome. It results from infection with a virus called HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus infects key cells in the human body called CD4-positive (CD4+) T cells. These cells are part of the body’s immune system, which fights infections and various cancers. When HIV
HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. Like all viruses, it must invade the cells of other organisms to survive and reproduce. HIV multiplies in the human immune system’s CD4+ T cells and kills vast numbers of the cells it infects. The result is disease symptoms. Nice To Know: There are two forms
HIV infection is spread in three ways: Sexual intercourse Direct contact with infected blood From an infected mother to her unborn child However, there is much misunderstanding about the ways in which HIV infection is not spread. About one out of every three people in the U.S. infected with HIV, the virus that can lead to
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Most people newly infected with the HIV virus show few, if any, symptoms for a few years. But during this asymptomatic period, HIV is actively multiplying, infecting, and killing cells in the immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells. People are very infectious during this early phase. As the immune system weakens, symptoms begin to emerge. Early Symptoms
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A blood test is used to confirm whether a woman has been infected with HIV. Any woman who has engaged in risky behavior, such as sharing drug-injecting equipment or having unprotected sexual contact with an infected person or with someone whose HIV status is unknown, should consider being tested. A positive HIV test result does
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A woman who tests positive for HIV should take steps to protect her own health and the health of others. The CDC recommends that people with HIV infection: Promptly seek care from a physician or medical service, even if they feel well. Early treatment, preferably under the guidance of a doctor with experience treating people
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