Question:medium
Amniocentesis to detect chromosomal abnormalities can be done as early as
Amniocentesis to detect chromosomal abnormalities can be done as early as
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Amniocentesis needs enough fluid and cells, available from around 14 weeks.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
- 14th week of gestation
- 18th week of gestation
- 22nd week of gestation
- 26th week of gestation
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Think about what the test needs.
Amniocentesis pulls out a small sample of amniotic fluid and grows the fetal cells floating in it to study the chromosomes. This only works once there is enough fluid and enough cells.
Step 2: Place that point in the pregnancy.
That happens by about 14 weeks of gestation, marking the earliest point doctors consider the test workable.
Step 3: Note the routine practice.
In everyday practice, most units wait until 15 to 20 weeks, often 16 weeks, for a cleaner sample and lower risk, but the question asks for the earliest possible week, not the routine one.
Step 4: Rule out the later options.
18, 22 and 26 weeks are all past the earliest feasible point, so none of them answer "as early as".
Step 5: Conclude.
\[ \boxed{14^{th} \text{ week of gestation}} \]
Amniocentesis pulls out a small sample of amniotic fluid and grows the fetal cells floating in it to study the chromosomes. This only works once there is enough fluid and enough cells.
Step 2: Place that point in the pregnancy.
That happens by about 14 weeks of gestation, marking the earliest point doctors consider the test workable.
Step 3: Note the routine practice.
In everyday practice, most units wait until 15 to 20 weeks, often 16 weeks, for a cleaner sample and lower risk, but the question asks for the earliest possible week, not the routine one.
Step 4: Rule out the later options.
18, 22 and 26 weeks are all past the earliest feasible point, so none of them answer "as early as".
Step 5: Conclude.
\[ \boxed{14^{th} \text{ week of gestation}} \]
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