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Amniocentesis is currently performed by inserting a thin, hollow needle into the uterus and removing some of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby. During the procedure, the pregnant woman lies flat on her back on a table. Her belly is cleansed with an iodine solution and the physician, using ultrasound to guide her, inserts a thin needle through the abdomen and uterus into the amniotic sac. She then withdraws about one to two tablespoons of fluid and removes the needle. After the sample is taken, the physician uses ultrasound to check that the fetal heartbeat is normal.

Bioscience Systems novel approach to this risky test utilizes a series of non-invasive Light Emitting Diodes to illuminate and measure the amount of absorbed and reflected light at specific wavelengths that are known to be influenced by problematic amniotic fluid. "Patents Pending"

Amniocentesis is a common prenatal test in which a small sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus is removed and examined. It was first used in 1882 to remove excess amniotic fluid, and has long been performed in late pregnancy to assess anemia in babies with Rh disease and to find out if the fetal lungs are mature enough for the baby to be delivered. Amniocentesis is not routinely offered to all pregnant women because it carries a risk of miscarriage. Amniocentesis is offered when there is an increased risk of chromosomal or genetic birth defects, or certain malformations. Today, amniocentesis often is used to diagnose or, far more likely, rule out certain birth defects.