The Utilization of Prenatal Cytogenetic Diagnosis in Western Australia

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Summary: Prenatal cytogenetic diagnostic services for the whole of Western Australia are undertaken by 1 central department in Perth. The records of this unit have been used to calculate the utilization rates of amniocentesis by women aged 35 years or older at the estimated date of confinement for the 5‐year period 1977–1981. During this time there were 5076 livebirths to mothers aged 35 years or more and 1,408 pregnancies in this age group were cytogenetically monitored, giving an overall utilization rate of 28%. This rate is comparable to similar rates in other developed countries. Possible directions for future expansion of the service are suggested.Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis requires close cooperation between clinical and laboratory personnel and access to fairly sophisticated equipment (ultrasound and tissue culture facilities). These factors, together with the degree of public awareness and acceptance of the test and its implications, all affect the utilization rates of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis. The procedure is costly in time and expertise and is most cost effective when used in a high risk target population.