Question

Which of the following statements are incorrect regarding amniocentesis and chorionic villi technique for foetal disease detection?

• A. Both amniocentesis and chorionic villi techniques are used to diagnose genetic disorders.
• B. Amniocentesis is done by abdominal puncture while chorionic villi sample is taken through viginal insertion.
• C. Amniocentesis uses placental cells while chorionic villi technique uses skin and respiratory cells from the foetus.
• D. Both can potentially be used to detect sex of the foetus.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Amniocentesis uses placental cells while chorionic villi technique uses skin and respiratory cells from the foetus.

In amniocentesis, a needle is inserted through abdominal puncture to collect amniotic fluid which contains skin and respiratory tract cells from the foetus. These are use to detect genetic abnormalities in the foetus.

In chorionic villi technique, a flexible tube is inserted through the mother’s vagina, through her cervix and into the uterus. Alternatively the tube can be passed directly through an incision in the abdominal wall. This tube will then be used to withdraw a small amount of fetal placental tissue, that is a sample of the chorionic villi. This is then analyzed for genetic disorders of foetus.

Both techniques are capable of determining the sex of the growing foetus.