Chorionic Villus Sampling

Chorionic Villus Sampling - What it is

It is a procedure in which a small amount of placenta tissue is taken from the placenta for testing. This is done by inserting a very fine hollow needle through the mother’s abdomen into the placenta under ultrasound guidance.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few minutes.

Most women do not experience any pain as a local anesthetic will be given prior to the procedure. Rarely the needle may cause some pain when it penetrates the uterus.

After the placenta tissue has been withdrawn, the removal of the needle will cause no further discomfort.

WHY IS CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING NECESSARY?

The majority of CVS are done for the detection of chromosomal disorders. Chromosomes carry genes that pass certain characteristics from parents to their children. When there are too many or too few chromosomes or there is a defect in a chromosome, birth defects can occur.

Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. It causes mental retardation and other health

problems such as heart defects.

Other less common chromosomal disorders may lead to serious handicaps and death.

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Symptoms

Chorionic Villus Sampling - How to prevent?

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Causes and Risk Factors

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Diagnosis

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Treatments

WHEN IS CVS DONE?

CVS is usually done between 11 - 15th week of pregnancy.

WHEN WILL THE CVS TEST RESULTS BE AVAILABLE?

Usually it takes about 2 - 3 weeks. Upon request, a rapid test can provide a preliminary report in 3 working days

CAN ALL BIRTH DEFECTS BE DETECTED BY CVS?

No. CVS can detect almost all known chromosomal disorders. However, birth defects not due to chromosomal abnormalities such as certain genetic syndromes cannot be detected through this test.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER CVS?

Women whose First Trimester Screening or Maternal Serum Screening or Non Invasive prenatal testing test results shows a “High Risk” for Trisomy 21 or 13 or 18.
Women who know that they or their partners are carriers of a known genetic disease.
Women who had an early ultrasound report shows that the fetus has structural defects which are associated with chromosomal disorders.
Women who have had a child with Down Syndrome or other chromosomal disorders.
Women who know that they or their partners have an unusual chromosome arrangement.

IS CVS SAFE?

CVS is a safe, low risk procedure when done by experienced medical experts. The risk of miscarriage following the test is reported to be 1%.

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Preparing for surgery

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Post-surgery care

Chorionic Villus Sampling - Other Information

Activity - You should be able to return to your normal activities within a few hours after the procedure.

Rest - If you are working, you will be given a medical certificate for the day of the procedure.

Medication - Some hormonal support in the form of oral tablets will be given after the procedure.

Overview

Obstetrics ＆ Gynaecology,

Pregnancy

Article contributed by Obstetrics ＆ Gynaecology, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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