Amniotic fluid is used to:(A) Determine the survivability of the foet…

The correct answer is Option (1) → (A), (B) and (D) only

Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, none of the given options appears to be correct. As per NCERT, amniotic fluid is used only for (A) and (D), and no option gives these two alone.

In amniocentesis a little amniotic fluid is taken from around the developing foetus. Its foetal cells and dissolved substances are then tested.

(A) Determine the survivability of the foetus — Correct. The test tells whether the foetus is likely to survive.

(B) Massive child immunization — Incorrect. Massive child immunisation is a reproductive and child health programme of vaccinating children. The book lists it beside the ban on amniocentesis for sex determination as programmes that “merit mention”. It has nothing to do with amniotic fluid.

(C) Check for pneumonia — Incorrect. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is found by examining the patient, not the amniotic fluid.

(D) Check genetic disorder — Correct. The test shows genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, haemophilia and sickle-cell anaemia in the foetus.

So the correct set is (A) and (D) only, which is not one of the options. The answer given by NTA, Option (1), adds (B).

NCERT Extract:
Reproductive Health – Problems and Strategies – “… Successful implementation of various action plans to attain reproductive health requires strong infrastructural facilities, professional expertise and material support. These are essential to provide medical assistance and care to people in reproduction-related problems like pregnancy, delivery, STDs, abortions, contraception, menstrual problems, infertility, etc. Implementation of better techniques and new strategies from time to time are also required to provide more efficient care and assistance to people. 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.”