Cell Culture Only (Amniotic Fluid)
Cell Culture Only (Amniotic Fluid)
Cell culture only, amniotic fluid increases the number of fetal cells for further prenatal cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic testing. This test can also be used to maintain cells for additional reflex or repeat testing.
Back up cultures are automatically set up when prenatal samples arrive, unless it is indicated on the test requisition form that cultures are housed at an external lab.
Cell growth cannot be guaranteed. Cell growth is dependent on several factors including inadequate amount of specimen, age of specimen, exposure of specimen to extreme temperatures, specific preservatives, and the type of tissue sent for culture.
Please note:
- A report is not generated for cell cultures unless a culture failure occurs.
- Turnaround time can take up to 21 days
Clinical Information
Amniotic fluid is collected during an amniocentesis procedure, typically performed at or after 15 weeks of pregnancy, and is used for prenatal diagnostic testing to evaluate chromosomal abnormalities, genetic conditions, and neural tube defects.
Technical Information
Specimens are cultured and harvested per standard laboratory procedures (The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual, 3rd ed, 1997).
Prenatal Specimen Requirements
The required sample type for this test is 10-20ml of direct amniotic fluid or 1-2ml per week of gestation collected in sterile tubes.
Prenatal Transport Instructions
Amniotic fluid should be kept at room temperature; do not freeze or refrigerate. Specimen should be sent by courier or overnight mail to arrive at the laboratory the next day. Shipping sample Monday through Thursday is recommended.
Associated Tests
Connect With Our Experts
Call 1-800-473-9411 to speak with our team of laboratory genetic counselors for questions or additional information.
Robin Fletcher, MS, CGC
Falecia Thomas, MS, CGC
Alex Finley, MS, CGC