In: Biology
Prenatal genetic testing- help to determine what genetic condition or disorder the fetus likely to have, it would help parents to evaluate baby's genetic condition before birth.
Steps of prenatal genetic testing-
There are two types of prenatal genetic testing
1) prenatal genetic screening test- this test estimates the chances of fetus for having any genetic disorder like aneuploidy or other disorders
2) prenatal genetic diagnostic test- this test conformally said whether the fetus actually have the condition or not.
steps- 1) firstly an ultrasound is performed so that the doctor can clearly see fetus, amniotic fluid, placenta,and uterus.
2) Area over the abdomen is cleaned and painted with an antiseptic solution , then a needle is inserted into the amniotic fluid pocket using the ultrasound image for guidance.
3)some amount of amniotic fluid usually less the 30ml is removed. (this may cause mild discomfort to the mother).
4) the fluid sample then send to laboratory to perform the test.
in case for of a diagnostic test, a small sample of cells from placenta is also taken. As placenta contain the same genetic material as the fetus , it can be tested for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities and give a confirmatory diagnosis.