Amniocentesis

In this procedure, with an ultrasound as a guide, a needle is placed through the skin and into the uterus. A small amount of amniotic fluid is removed so that fetal chromosomes can be evaluated. Amniotic fluid may also give information about lung maturity and the risk of spina bifida. This procedure can be performed as early as 15 weeks gestation and as late as right before delivery. Using FISH (Florescent In-situ Hybridization), results can be available in 4-5 days, though this test has to be approved by your insurance company. Otherwise, results are usually available in 1-2 weeks.

Locations

The following Crozer-Keystone hospitals provide amniocentesis:

Delaware County Memorial Hospital
501 North Lansdowne Avenue
Drexel Hill, PA  19026

Call 1-800-CK-HEALTH for more information or to schedule an appointment.