Chorionic Villi Sampling
Most pregnancies produce healthy babies however, in some cases there is a risk of a baby having a birth defect caused by a genetic abnormality.
Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS) is normally performed between the tenth and twelfth week after a woman’s last menstrual period. The test involves taking a sample of 'chorionic villi', which are found in the placenta, using a needle passed into the mother's womb. The placenta has the same genetic make-up (DNA) as the baby, and so the sample can be used to look for genetic abnormalities in the baby’s DNA.
Complications Associated with CVS
There is a risk of miscarriage (approximately 1%) associated with the CVS procedure. An infection may develop.
Limitation of Testing
Not all genetic disorders can be detected.
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