Amnio-PCR: all Healthcare Professionals - Summary: what is Amnio-PCR?

Amnio-PCR is a revolutionary, rapid prenatal diagnostic screen based on molecular DNA techniques.

Amnio-PCR has been pioneered and developed by the Cytogenetic DNA Services Ltd, part of the genetics division of the Doctors Laboratory.

Amnio-PCR is a new, rapid diagnosis of the most common chromosome abnormalities using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Using a small sample of amniotic fluid, PCR amplifies and enables quantification of specific regions of the DNA molecule from uncultured amniocytes providing a definitive result within 48 hours.

Aims & Advantages of Amnio-PCR

Aims

To provide a rapid (48 hours) and reliable antenatal diagnosis of the most common chromosome abnormalities likely to result in birth defect.
To avoid the time delay associated with tissue culture.
To minimise maternal anxiety.
To benefit clinical management at an earlier stage of pregnancy.

Advantages

Low volumes of amniotic fluid required.
Applicable to pregnancies from 12 to 34 weeks gestation.
Definitive results of major defects within 48 hours.
Rapid diagnosis of the most common chromosome abnormalities.
Single gene defects such as the most common cystic fibrosis mutation p.F508del can be detected, if required.