Title : Amniocentesis |
| Short Description : Medical Procedure |
Description :
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic performed where fluid is extracted from the amniotic sac for detection of chromosomal abnormalities and structural defects in the fetus. The amniotic sac is a fluid-filled sac containing the fetus in the uterus. Amniocentesis is very accurate in detecting gender of the fetus. The results of the tests help the doctors and parents make decisions regarding the pregnancy and delivery.
Pregnant women over the age of 35 years are usually advised to go for this test as they have an increased chance of carrying a baby with chromosomal abnormalities. At age 35, the chance is about 1 in 178 and this rate increases to 1 in 63 for those age 40. Amniocentesis is usually performed between 15th and 18th week of pregnancy for purpose of genetic testing, chromosomal analysis and alpha-feto protein testing. |
Procedure: The exact location of the fetus is first determined by ultrasound. Then a long needle is inserted through the abdomen into the uterus and amniotic fluid is withdrawn. If necessary, a local anaesthetic is applied on the skin before the procedure. The fluid is sent for assessment of fetal lung maturity, genetic abnormalities and structural defects. The entire procedure is fairly quick and relatively painless but some women may experience cramping, bleeding or leakage of fluid from the vagina.
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Risks :
There is a very small chance of infection and injury to the fetus and even smaller chance of miscarriage. However the reasons for performing this test usually outweigh the risks involved. |
| Normal findings :
The analysis should show no chromosomal abnormalities and no alphafeto protein or bilirubin present |
| Title : Arthrocentesis |
| Short Description : Medical Procedure |
| Description :
Arthrocentesis or joint aspiration is performed to extract joint fluid for laboratory examination. Analysis of white cell count, protein, crystals, glucose and microbiological cultures are performed on the extracted fluid. The results from these tests may help in the diagnosis of the causes of swelling such as arthritis, infection, gout and rheumatoid disease. |
Arthrocentesis is also used to relieve joint swelling and pain. By removing the fluid, destructive components of the fluid are removed from the inflamed joint, thereby giving some relief to the patient. The procedure may include injection of medications into the joint to relieve inflammation and further reduce the symptoms |
| Procedure:
The skin over the joint is first sterilised and local anesthetic applied over the area. A needle with syringe is inserted through the skin into the joint in aseptic enviroment. Fluid is sucked out. If required, medication is injected in through the same needle. The needle is then removed and the entry point is covered with a plaster. There may be some bruising and minor bleeding complications |
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