Fetal ascitic fluid: a new source of lymphocytes for rapid chromosomal analysis.

Abstract

The cells found in ascites can be processed like amniotic fluid for fetal karyotyping. We have characterized these cells and used them for a rapid cytogenetic result. Three patients presented with massive fetal ascites detected by sonography. Samples of ascitic fluid were obtained at fetal paracentesis. Cells from the fluid were cultured using standard methods for fetal blood, and were compared with fetal blood lymphocytes and amniocytes. The length of time in culture, chromosome morphology, and mitotic index of ascitic fluid cells were equivalent to those of fetal blood. In the third case, we performed immunophenotyping on the ascitic fluid cells. Ascitic fluid contains lymphocytes that permit rapid chromosomal analysis within 96 hours.