The diagnosis of sex before birth using cells from the amniotic fluid (a preliminary report).

Abstract

Preliminary results on the diagnosis of sex in utero by analysis of cells from amniotic fluid are reported. Amniotic fluid was extracted from 20 subjects and was found to contain an adequate number of cells for diagnosis. Correct diagnosis of fetal sex was made in all cases. The only possibility of error with this technique is in rare cases of intersex, providing that the sample is not contaminated with maternal cells. The diagnosis can be made from the 12th week of gestation until term. Diagnosis of an aborted human fetus is also possible.