Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure to extract a small sample of the tissue from the placenta. The tissue sample is collected through a needly inserted trans-abdominally. This tissue sample is tested for any chromosomal abnormalities or any other genetic conditions. Placenta is a structure that connects the mother and fetus and facilitates the supply of oxygen, blood and nutrients. Chorionic villi are tiny finger like projections on the placenta that have the same genetic material as the fetus. CVS is generally done during the 11th to 13th weeks of pregnancy. It is done as a day care procedure and usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. This is followed by a post procedure observation of around 30 minutes.