First-trimester fetal chromosomal diagnosis using endocervical lavage: a negative evaluation.

A report in the literature indicated that fetal cells could be obtained by endocervical lavage during the first trimester of pregnancy and successfully cultured. This would allow prenatal diagnosis earlier in pregnancy than is currently possible with second-trimester amniocentesis. Therefore, we attempted to confirm these findings. Our results indicated that the cultural cells were maternal in origin. We disagree with interpretations of the data given in the initial report and conclude that first-trimester prenatal diagnosis is not feasible at this time.