Using PCR Technician in Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Gender

Whole blood samples were obtained from 30 pregnant women at 15 –24 weeks of gestation. DNA was extracted from each plasma or serum sample. To detect the Y-chromosome specific marker DYS14 in the maternal blood, (Polymerase Chain Reaction) PCR were carried out for each DNA extract. The PCR products were analyzed by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining. The results compared with fetal gender after delivery. The result of delivery revealed that 13 pregnant women had a male fetus and the remaining 17 pregnant women had a female fetus and DYS14 was detected in all plasma and serum samples obtained from pregnant women and revealed that 13 pregnant women had a male fetus and the remaining 17 pregnant women had a female fetus. The PCR sensitivity for detecting the gender of fetus from maternal whole blood at 15–24 weeks of gestation was 100% in both plasma and serum, DYS14 was not detected in the DNA from any of the 17 pregnant women carrying a female fetus. The results showed that PCR analysis of maternal plasma and serum can be used to diagnose fetal gender.