American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

What type of cells are obtained from short-term cultures of amniotic fluid?

1. Myoblasts

2. Amniocytes

3. Neurons

4. Epithelial cells

The correct answer is: Amniocytes

The correct answer is amniocytes, as these are the specific type of cells that are harvested from short-term cultures of amniotic fluid. Amniocytes are the cells that are found within the amniotic fluid surrounding a developing fetus. When amniotic fluid is sampled, usually through a procedure called amniocentesis, those cells can be cultured for various analyses, including prenatal genetic testing. During the process of culturing the amniotic fluid, amniocytes proliferate and can be used for cytogenetic studies, such as chromosome analysis, to detect genetic abnormalities or conditions. This method is particularly important for diagnosing fetal conditions and can provide crucial information as part of prenatal care. Other types of cells, such as myoblasts, neurons, and epithelial cells, are not representative of what is typically found in amniotic fluid. Myoblasts are precursor cells to muscle cells, neurons are specialized cells within the nervous system, and epithelial cells line surfaces and cavities in various organs, but they do not arise from amniotic fluid. Therefore, the presence of amniocytes and their role in cytogenetics affirm that they are the correct choice in this context.