Chorionic Villus Sampling, or CVS

Chorionic villus refers to part of the placenta that attaches the placenta to the lining of the uterus or womb.  An actual sample of the placental tissue is removed to obtain the chromosome test.

The CVS is a relatively new method to diagnose irregularities in the fetus.  The procedure is performed during the ninth to eleventh week of pregnancy and offers the advantage of an earlier and more rapid diagnosis than amniocentesis.

Unlike amniocentesis, which analyzes substances obtained from the fluid surrounding the baby, CVS uses small fragments of the placenta to grow the chromosomes for further analysis.  This test is not as widely available as amniocentesis and thus, may not be an option for you.

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