Subjective versus objective evaluation of amniotic fluid volume of pregnancies of less than 24 weeks' gestation - How can we be accurate?

This study was undertaken to compare subjective versus objective ultrasonic evaluation of amniotic fluid volume in pregnancies of less than 24 weeks' gestation. Amniotic fluid volume was subjectively (visualization without ul trasonic measurements) and objectively (visual interpretation with ultrason ic measurements) evaluated in 42 singleton pregnancies undergoing terminati on. The actual amniotic fluid volume was then determined using a dye-diluti on technique. The women evaluated were in their mid-20s, primarily African American, and between 15 and 23 weeks' gestation. There was no significant difference in the total number of correct estimates of amniotic fluid volum e when the data were stratified by level of operator experience (P =.34), u ltrasonic technique (P =.33), or the combined correct subjective versus com bined correct objective estimates (P =.68). We have concluded that the accu racy of amniotic fluid volume assessment in pregnancies of less than 24 wee ks is not influenced by the level of operator experience or the type of ult rasonic measurement.