INVASIVE PRENATAL TESTING

    

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
 

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) involves the sampling of placental tissue using a needle that is passed through the maternal abdomen into the placenta. This one- minute procedure is done as an ultrasound guided technique, using a local anaesthetic agent and is generally well tolerated.

    

Amniocentesis

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Amniocentesis involves the removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid to examine the fetal skin cells for chromosomal abnormalities. A thin needle is passed through the maternal abdomen into the uterus to remove a small amount of amniotic fluid (10ml). The procedure lasts less than 1 minute after which fetal well being is confirmed. 

 

Fetal Blood Sampling (Cordocentesis)

 

Fetal blood sampling involves the removal of a small amount of blood from the umbilical cord (2.5ml). The cord blood contains fetal blood cells which are used to analyze the chromosomes of the baby. If technically possible, a thin needle is passed through the maternal abdomen into the umbilical cord at the cord insertion site on the placenta (afterbirth). This 1-2 minute procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance and the needle can be visualized at all times. 

    

NON INVASIVE PRENATAL TESTING (NIPT)

 

The Harmony ™ Prenatal Test is an early and accurate test for Down's Syndrome and other trisomy conditions. The test can also evaluate fetal sex and sex chromosome (X,Y) conditions.