Amniotic Fluid

Question 1

Purpose of amniotic fluid?

Answer 1

diangose genetic & congenital disorders, assess fetal lung maturity, estimate fetal distress

Question 2

Amniotic Fluid Volume reference rage

Answer 2

25-50 mls at 12 weeks

1100-1500 mls at 36 weeks

Question 3

Polyhydraminos

Answer 3

abnormal increased amounts of amniotic fluid

decreased fetal swallowing, may indicate congenital fetal abnormalities, maternal gestational diabetes

Question 4

Oligohydraminos

Answer 4

abnormally decreased amounts of amniotic fluid
congential malformations (premature rupture of fetal membranes) fetal urinary tract abnormalities

Question 5

What are the biochemical substances in amniotic fluid?

Answer 5

produced by the fetus, determine health and maturity of fetus
Bilirubin, lipids, enzymes, electrolytes, BUN protein

Question 6

What are the fetal cells used for?

Answer 6

genetic testing

skin, digestive system, urinary tract

Question 7

Sample & handling

Answer 7

Protect from light, test ASAP, place on ice (except for genetic testing), avoid repeated freeze thaw cycles
Spin ASAP (except for FLM)

Question 8

Normal amniotic fluid?

Answer 8

colorless, clear to slight cloudy

becomes more cloudy as pregnancy progresses

Question 9

Bloody fluid

Answer 9

traumatic tap, abdominal trauma, intra-uterine blled

Question 10

Yellow fluid

Answer 10

HDN

Question 11

Dark green

Answer 11

meconium stain, increased amounts are a concern

Question 12

Dark-red or brown

Answer 12

associated with fetal death