A syringe adapter to facilitate aspiration at amniocentesis

Background: Syringes were developed for injection, not aspiration. We descr ibe an adapter that attaches to a standard syringe and aspirates by advance ment rather than withdrawal. Technique: The adapter consists of a syringe barrel extension and an attach able finger grip, The adapter attached to a standard syringe allows aspirat ion by advancement rather than withdrawal, with the same hand motion used a s with injection. Experience: In a comparison of timed in vitro fluid aspiration by 10 practi tioners, mean times for aspiration of 15 mL were 32.4 seconds (range 24-45) with standard technique and 25.3 seconds (range 24-30) with the adapted sy ringe (P < .003, paired t test). Thirteen of 14 physicians who used the ada pted syringe in vivo reported that much less effort was required, and one p hysician reported that a little less effort was required. Overall, eight pr actitioners reported that the adapted syringe made amniocentesis much easie r and six found no difference between the two devices. Conclusion: This adapter converts a standard syringe to one permitting aspi ration by advancement rather than withdrawal. Practitioner feedback was pos itive with regard to case of use, degree of effort, and overall satisfactio n. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:138-40. (C) 2000 by The American College of Obst etricians and Gynecologists.).