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Pregnancy Today's Advisory Panel Answers:
Can
you tell me about CVS?
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Question
I am 39. I lost twins within a week after an amniocentesis last year. I
developed a fever and the hospital could not stop the contractions. I am
now very wary about having an amnio, however, I would like to know if my
baby has Down Syndrome. Can you please define what a CVS test is?
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Answer
Amniocentesis and CVS (Chorionic Villous Sampling) are both equally
accurate in the determination of chromosomal make up of the fetus
(karyotype). The CVS is performed between 9-12 weeks. A vaginal or
abdominal approach can be used to withdraw a small amount of tissue
(chorion) that will give rise to the placenta. Results are usually
available with in a week. The risk of fetal loss (miscarriage) with CVS is
approximately the same as with amnio (< 1%).
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