Amniocentesis and the process of extracting amniotic stem cells

Amniocentesis is a common medical procedure that allows doctors to examine a fetus’ DNA for any genetic abnormalities before birth. A small amount of amniotic fluid is taken from the amniotic sac surrounding the developing fetus and examined by doctors in order to determine if the child will be healthy or not.

The new research facility in Boston called the Biocell Center has developed a means for using this medical procedure in order to extract these amniotic cells from a pregnant woman’s fetus and then preserve them for later use. There are an abundance of the stem cells present in the amniotic fluid and removal of some does not impact the life of the embryo.

The patient having the amniocentesis has a needle inserted into her abdomen, then through the wall of the uterus, and finally into the amniotic sac. While an ultra-sound is in use, the physician punctures a hole in the sac (not near the fetus) and extracts about 20mL of fluid.

Under normal circumstances the first 3mL of amniotic fluid taken out is usually discarded because it is not useful for genetic analysis, however Biocell Center has developed a way to have the physicians place this fluid into sterile test tubes so that the company can pre-treat and freeze the samples. The advantage of having this procedure done and preserving amniotic stem cells is that the children at hand will always have a sample of cells completely compatible with their body should any disease develop.

The stem cells found in the amniotic sac are unique in the fact that they are capable of self-renewal and have the ability to differentiate into all kinds of other cell types. Stem cells are important in the research and treatment of diseases because of its ability to develop into many different kinds of tissues and organs.