Chorionic Villus Sampling

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After the placenta tissue has been withdrawn, the removal of the needle will cause no further discomfort.

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.