What procedure is performed to collect amniotic fluid specimens?

The collection of amniotic fluid specimens is conducted through a procedure known as amniocentesis. During this procedure, a thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the uterus, guided by ultrasound imaging, to extract a small amount of amniotic fluid. This fluid surrounds and cushions the developing fetus and can be analyzed for various genetic and developmental conditions.

Amniocentesis typically occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and provides valuable information that can influence medical decisions. The procedure is essential for conditions like prenatal screening for genetic disorders, assessing fetal maturity, and evaluating fetal lung development.

Other methods listed, such as blood draws or urine sample collections, do not pertain to amniotic fluid. Blood draws are used to collect blood for various tests, while urine sample collections are not involved in obtaining amniotic fluid. Ultrasound serves as an imaging technique to guide procedures but is not a method for collecting specimens on its own.