PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS IN THE NETHERLANDS

Prenatal invasive diagnosis of genetic conditions in the Netherlands i s well organised, based on uniform indications and has a sound financi al structure. Facilities for fetal karyotyping and DNA analysis are av ailable in the 8 academic centres. Prenatal diagnosis of metabolic dis eases is mainly carried out in Rotterdam. Amniocentesis, transcervical and transabdominal chorionic villus sampling are carried out in all c entres, including 4 subcentres. The national Working Party on Prenatal Diagnosis started in 1985 and is a useful platform for all obstetrici ans and geneticists involved in prenatal diagnosis.