preece@uicsl.UUCP (09/08/83)
#R:shark:-147800:uicsl:16400015:000:994 uicsl!preece Sep 7 16:06:00 1983 The whole amniocentesis issue may very well be altered soon by the use of a new technique, chorionic villus biopsy. This can be done in the FIRST trimester (in fact it can only be done during weeks 8-12 or so). This doesn't find neural tube problems, so some women would still need amniocentesis, but for many other disorders it can provide diagnostic information at a time when (1) abortion is easier and safer AND (2) intrauterine treatment has longer to work, for those disorders susceptible of treatment. The procedure spots certain chromosomal and biochemical abnormalities and works with cells from part of the forming placenta. The results can be determined very quickly (a couple of hours) because no culturing is required (amniocentesis results take two weeks). The process is still experimental, so don't rush out to your local obstetrician's office just yet, but early results look pretty promising (see Science, 9 Sept 1983, p1031-1032). scott preece pur-ee!uiucdcs!uicsl!preece