AMNIOTIC FLUID Flashcards
T or F
Doctors are the only one allowed to collect Amniotic Fluid
T
(specifically OBGYNE)
Amniotic Fluid is found around the developing fetus inside a membranous sac called?
amnion
Main Function of AF
– Serves to cushion and protect the developing fetus
– Also serves a key role in the exchange of water and molecules between the fetus and the maternal circulation
…….Source of water for the baby
The laboratory performs several crucial tests on amniotic fluid to?
assess the status of the fetus.
(4) The laboratory performs several crucial tests on AF
- Test to diagnose genetic and congenital disorders before birth
- Test to detect fetal distress from hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) or from infection
- Test to assess fetal lung maturity
- Assessment of the ability of the fetus to survive early delivery
Amniotic fluid is formed from the?
placenta
Volume of amniotic fluid increases steadily throughout the pregnancy up to a maximum of?
1100-1500 mL
The maximum volume throughout the pregnancy occurs at what week at gestation?
36 weeks of gestation
As the baby matures
more amniotic fluid is produced by the mother
(so Volume and maturity = directly proportional)
When fetal urine production begins, the chemical composition of the amniotic fluid changes.
This leads to increased production of?
creatinine
At commencement of fetal urine production, fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid begins and this regulates the?
formation of fetal urine
source of nutrients for the baby (especially water)
Amniotic fluid
How the baby takes up nutrients and water inside the womb
Intramembranous fluid transfer
amniotic fluid suffix
amnios
Decreased fetal swallowing resulting in increased amniotic fluid volume
> 2000 mL or >2L
POLYHYDRAMNIOS
Decreased amounts of amniotic fluid
Can occur with premature rupture of the membranes and Congenital malformations
<1000 mL or <1L
OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS
termed as the Collection of amniotic fluid
AMNIOCENTESIS
Injection of syringe into the abdominal walls of patient
Transabdominal
Through the vagina
Transvaginal
Needle aspiration is introduced into the amniotic sac, usually? (what type of spec. collection method)
transabdominally
(with simultaneous use of ultrasound)
The addition of __________ has helped to make the procedure safer especially if performed between __ and __ weeks of gestation for genetic studies.
ultrasound
15 and 18 weeks
Amount collected of AF is usually
10-20 mL (max of 30)
(with collection into several different syringes to prevent the contamination of all specimens with the blood from initial puncture)
What container is used for the AF specimen?
sterile plastic specimen containers
_______ containers are less desirable as cells have more tendency to adhere to the glass surface
and Consistency and morphology of cellular elements are affected
Glass containers
Normal Amniotic Fluid
color/appearance
COLORLESS to PALE YELLOW
Slightly turbid due to Fetal cells (Vernix and Hair)
protective coating that forms on baby’s skin in utero(wapa naanak)
Vernix
a natural moisturizer and has antibacterial properties
Vernix
(3) Storage of AF
A. Specimen for Cell Culture and Chromosomal Studies
B. Specimen for phospholipid analysis
C. Specimen for chemical analysis
Identify what STORAGE type is mentioned
Stored at Room temperature to keep the fetal cells alive
Specimen for Cell Culture and Chromosomal Studies
Identify what STORAGE type is mentioned
Transported on ice and centrifuged at 500g and the supernatant saved for testing.
If blood is present, specimen should be centrifuged to prevent hemolysis from altering the test results
Specimen for phospholipid analysis
Anything involved with lipid and chemical procedures, all specimens should be?
preserved/refrigerated
Identify what STORAGE type is mentioned
- Stored at any length of time but must be centrifuged.
Specimen for chemical analysis