Which screening test is commonly performed in the second trimester to assess for genetic abnormalities?

Amniocentesis is a commonly performed screening test in the second trimester to assess for genetic abnormalities. This procedure involves the extraction of amniotic fluid from the uterus using a needle, which is then analyzed for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and other fetal conditions. It is typically offered to women who are at increased risk for certain genetic syndromes, such as those with advanced maternal age or abnormal results from other prenatal screening tests.

This test provides valuable information because the amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that can be tested for genetic conditions. It is generally performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation, making it a reliable option for second trimester screening.

While blood glucose screening is used to evaluate the risk of gestational diabetes, chorionic villus sampling is usually conducted in the first trimester, and ultrasound serves multiple purposes but is not primarily a genetic screening test.