What is chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?
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Healthwise answered:A sampling of chorionic villus is a test done during early pregnancy that can find certain problems with your baby (fetus). It is generally done when either you or the father has a disease that runs in the family (genetic disorder). It may also be done when you are over age 35. Being over 35 increases your chance of having a baby with a chromosome defect.
Chorionic villi are tiny finger-shaped growths found in the placenta. The genetic material in chorionic villus cells is the same as that in the baby's cells. During CVS, a sample of the chorionic villus cells is taken for biopsy. The chorionic villus cells are checked for problems. The procedure is generally done late in the first trimester, most often between the 10th and 12th weeks.
The chorionic villus sample can be collected by putting a thin flexible tube (catheter) through the vagina and cervix into the placenta. The sample can also be collected through a long, thin needle put through the belly into the placenta. Ultrasound is used to guide the catheter or needle into the correct spot for collecting the sample.
If you have a family history of certain diseases, CVS can be used to find genetic disorders, such as Tay-Sachs disease or hemophilia. It can also find chromosomal birth defects, such as Down syndrome. CVS cannot find neural tube defects and it cannot be used to see if the baby's lungs are mature.
Chorionic villus sampling can be done earlier in pregnancy (at 10 to 12 weeks) than amniocentesis (usually done at 15 to 20 weeks). This allows you to know the health of your baby and make an earlier decision whether to continue or end the pregnancy. Results of CVS can be available sooner than amniocentesis results.
A sampling of chorionic villus is a test done during early pregnancy that can find certain problems with your baby (fetus). It is generally done when either you or the father has a disease that runs in the family (genetic disorder). It may... More -
Dr. Kenneth S. Larsen of Intermountain Healthcare answered:Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal genetic test that is done by placing a tube trans-vaginally and taking a small sample of the baby's placenta when you are somewhere between eight and twelve weeks pregnant. This is done to evaluate the baby's chromosomes to try to detect Down syndrome and other chromosome problems as early as possible in the pregnancy.
CVS, as with amniocentesis, is completely optional. The advantage of doing CVS over amniocentesis is it can be done earlier -- amniocentesis must be done somewhere between fifteen and eighteen weeks. Chromosome abnormalities can't be fixed prior to delivery. Some reasons people might want to know about the baby's chromosomes status are so that they can prepare for a baby that may not be totally normal, or in some cases, some people opt to do terminations of pregnancies on babies that aren't completely normal chromosomally. It's easier to do these terminations in an earlier pregnancy, and that's why many people choose CVS over amniocentesis.Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal genetic test that is done by placing a tube trans-vaginally and taking a small sample of the baby's placenta when you are somewhere between eight and twelve weeks pregnant. This is done to... More -
Dr. Anita Ninan of Swedish answered:Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) involves removing a small amount of tissue from the placenta between 11 and 13 weeks. The doctor removes this tissue by going through the mother's abdomen with a thin needle or through the cervix with a thin tube. Ultrasound is used to help guide the doctor during the procedure.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is used to test for evidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, such as Down syndrome. CVS is an alternative to amniocentesis. The advantage of CVS over amniocentesis is that a CVS test can be performed earlier, allowing more time for you to receive counseling and make decisions. Risk of miscarriage, although small, is higher with CVS than with amniocentesis and must be weighed against any benefits.Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) involves removing a small amount of tissue from the placenta between 11 and 13 weeks. The doctor removes this tissue by going through the mother's abdomen with a thin needle or through the cervix with a thin tube.... More -
HealthyWomen answered:Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a test that may be offered to look for certain kinds of birth defects. During this test, a sample of chorionic villi, a portion of the placenta, is removed and analyzed.
There are two types of CVS tests:
- Transcervical. This is the most common method. The doctor uses ultrasound to guide a thin catheter through your cervix to the placenta, suctioning the chronic villi cells into the catheter.
- Transabdominal. The doctor uses ultrasound to guide a long, thin needle through your abdomen to the placenta, using a needle to draw a tissue sample. This is similar to the amniocentesis.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a test that may be offered to look for certain kinds of birth defects. During this test, a sample of chorionic villi, a portion of the placenta, is removed and analyzed. There are two types of CVS tests:... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It involves testing a sample of the placenta, the tissue that joins you and your developing baby. CVS is called an invasive test because it requires going into your uterus to get the test sample from the placenta.
CVS is a highly accurate way to determine if your pregnancy is affected by a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or cystic fibrosis.Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy. It involves testing a sample of the placenta, the tissue that joins you and your developing baby. CVS is called an invasive test... More
