ANTENATAL DETECTION OF CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIES

Summary Techniques are described for obtaining amniotic fluid by abdominal amniocentesis and for the subsequent culture of the cells contained in the fluid for karyotyping and other studies. Problems relating to fluid collection and cell culture are discussed. Some general comments are added on the feasibility of using the technique in the management of high risk pregnancies and in large‐scale screening for chromosome abnormalities.