noun
amniocentesis
am-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis/ˌæmniəʊsenˈtiːsɪs/
A prenatal test in which a needle removes a sample of fluid surrounding the fetus.
The clinician performs amniocentesis under ultrasound guidance to sample fluid around the fetus.
Etymology
The name combines the fetal membrane with a puncture: a needle withdraws fluid from around the fetus for testing. It names the sampling procedure used in the prenatal test.
In context
So why would I do a chorionic villus sampling or an amniocentesis? I would do it if I have a strong family or personal history of a genetic condition
More examples
- She asks what information amniocentesis might provide.
- The appointment includes a discussion of amniocentesis.
- The laboratory receives the sample collected during amniocentesis.
Forms
amniocentesis · amniocenteses
Similar words
- prenatal test
- The broader category, including tests that do not sample fluid.