The Interpretation of an amniotic fluid sample involves:

• Evaluation of the general appearance and content of the amniotic fluid.
• Blood may signal damage to the foetus, placenta, or umbilical cord. The presence of faeces in the third trimester may indicate foetal distress, or it may be normal.
• Chromosomes may be analysed for Down syndrome, and the levels of alpha-fetoprotein may be measured to check for spina bifida.
• Chromosome analysis also reveals the sex of the foetus and the risk of sex-linked disorders such as haemophilia.
• Other genes may be analysed, as well as substances related to metabolic and developmental disorders.