Identify the diagnostic test used to detect the sex of the foetus from the following:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Amniocentesis
Option (1) ELISA — Incorrect. ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay) detects antigens or antibodies, for example in HIV infection; it does not tell the sex of a foetus.
Option (2) WIDAL — Incorrect. The Widal test confirms typhoid.
Option (3) Amniocentesis — Correct. Amniocentesis can reveal the sex of the foetus, which is why its use for sex-determination is banned.
Option (4) Urine analysis — Incorrect. Urine analysis cannot tell the sex of the foetus.
NCERT Extract:
Reproductive Health – Problems and Strategies – “… Statutory ban on amniocentesis for sex-determination to legally check increasing menace of female foeticides, massive child immunisation, etc., are some programmes that merit mention in this connection. In aminocentesis some of the amniotic fluid of the developing foetus is taken to analyse the fetal cells and dissolved substances. This procedure is used to test for the presence of certain genetic disorders such as, down syndrome, haemoplilia, sickle-cell anemia, etc., determine the survivability of the foetus.”