Amniocentesis

It is a recent cytological technique. In this technique a few drops of amniotic fluid of the developing embryo is sucked out with the help of pipette. The fluid contains some cells of the embryo. These cells are cultured in a nutrient medium for a few days.

Then the cells are examined for chromosomal abnormalities and biochemical defects. If the embryo contains any hereditary defects, the parents may be advised for abortion.
This technique also helps to find out the sex of the developing embryo as early as the 3rd month.

 

Amniocentesis