Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)
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What is Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)?

CVS is a withdrawal of a small amount of chorionic tissue (tissue from the developing placenta). The chorionic villi are made of cells which develop from the same fertilized egg cell as the fetus . Therefore, taking a sample of the chorionic tissue is almost the same as taking a sample from the fetus. CVS is performed between the 10th and 12th week of pregnancy, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. CVS is an earlier alternative to amniocentesis, when this procedure is usually performed around the 16th week of pregnancy. The following are various tests that can be done on a sample of chorionic villi: 

  • Chromosome abnormalities - the most common abnormality being Down Syndrome (caused by an extra #21 chromosome)
  • Inherited genetic diseases - examples are Tay-Sachs disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell disease, and Thalassemia

Who Should Consider having a CVS?

  • Women who will be 35 years or older a the time the baby is born
  • Family history of chromosome abnormality
  • Family history of inherited disease

At South Florida Perinatal Medicine our physicians offer Genetic Counseling for pre-Amniocentesis and pre-CVS to discuss your particular risk factors for certain conditions, your family situation, and your feelings. The physicians can help answer any questions you may have so that you can decide what is best for you.

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