Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test usually offered after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It detects the same types of conditions as CVS, including:
- Chromosomal conditions (e.g. Down syndrome)
- Genetic disorders
Amniocentesis may be recommended if:
- Your earlier screening (e.g. NIPT or ultrasound) shows a possible issue
- You are at increased risk of a genetic condition
- You want a definitive diagnosis later in pregnancy
Table of Contents
- What happens during an amniocentesis?
- Is the amniocentesis safe?
- How long do amniocentesis results take?
- What is the cost of amniocentesis?
What happens during an amniocentesis?
The procedure involves inserting a fine needle through the abdomen to collect a small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells. Like CVS, it is done under continuous ultrasound guidance and usually takes a few minutes.
Amniocentesis is carried out by our specialist fetal medicine doctors with vast experience in the procedure.
Is the amniocentesis safe?
Amniocentesis is considered a low-risk procedure when performed by experienced specialists. There is a small risk of miscarriage (less than 1 in 200), and we take every precaution to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
How long do amniocentesis results take?
There are two types of results:
- Rapid test (QF-PCR) – available in 2–3 working days. This looks for the most common chromosomal conditions (trisomy 21, 18, and 13).
- Full karyotype or microarray – available in 10–14 working days. This provides a detailed analysis of all chromosomes and can detect rarer conditions or deletions/duplications.
We will talk you through which type of analysis is most appropriate for your circumstances.
What is the cost of amniocentesis?
Please refer to our Fees & Services page for current pricing, or contact our team directly for more information.
