MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Amniocentesis

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Amniocentesis

In amniocentesis a hollow needle is inserted into the mother's abdomen into the uterus, and amniotic fluid is drawn for analysis.

Update Date: 5/15/2006

Updated by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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