What are the indications for cordocentesis?

INDICATIONS FOR CORDOCENTESIS

What does the cordocentesis test look for?

Cordocentesis is used primarily to detect and treat blood conditions, such as fetal anemia — a low amount of healthy red blood cells in a developing baby. Cordocentesis is usually done when a diagnosis can’t be made from amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, ultrasound or other methods.

How do you do cordocentesis?

First, an ultrasound is done to locate where the umbilical cord inserts into the placenta. Using ultrasound guidance, a very thin needle is inserted through the abdomen and uterine wall into the umbilical cord to get the sample of blood. It is then sent to the lab and results typically take around 72 hours.

What is pubs Obgyn?

Percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling, or PUBS, is a test used to diagnose fetal abnormalities before a baby is born. This test is different from an amniocentesis and can help identify multiple concerns for an unborn baby.

What is a fetal skin biopsy?

Fetal tissue biopsies are used to detect skin disorders such as bullous disease, pigment cell disorders, and problems with proper development of epidermal appendages (e.g. ectodermal dysplasias).

What is a fetal blood sample?

Fetal blood sampling is a procedure used to diagnose, treat or monitor various fetal problems. Using a very small needle, specialists in Maternal-Fetal Medicine are able to remove a tiny amount of blood from the fetus during pregnancy. This procedure is performed to: Determine blood type.

Are pubs invasive?

Although cordocentesis is considered a safe procedure, it is recognized as an invasive diagnostic test that carries a higher risk of complications to the baby, including death, than other procedures do.

Why is cord blood taken at birth?

Why the Test is Performed Cord blood testing is done to measure the following in your baby’s blood: Bilirubin level. Blood culture (if an infection is suspected) Blood gases (including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels)

How can I get fetal blood?

After cleansing the mother’s abdomen with antiseptic, a long, thin needle is inserted into the mother’s uterus guided by ultrasound. Blood may be taken from the following sources: Blood vessels of the umbilical cord (also called cordocentesis, or percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, or PUBS)

Why do they test umbilical cord?

Umbilical cord testing is thought to reflect maternal drug use during approximately the last trimester of a full-term birth. Tests to detect marijuana metabolite and ethyl glucuronide (alcohol metabolite) are available separately from the panel.

What is a percutaneous cordocentesis?

Cordocentesis — also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling — is a diagnostic prenatal test in which a sample of the baby’s blood is removed from the umbilical cord for testing. Cordocentesis, which is usually done after week 18 of pregnancy, can be used to detect certain genetic disorders, blood conditions and infections.

Why isn’t cordocentesis being used anymore?

Cordocentesis isn’t being used as much as it has in the past because there are other prenatal diagnostic tests that can be used instead that are less risky to the fetus, like amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). If other tests aren’t yielding enough information, though, cordocentesis is still performed.

What is opencordocentesis used for?

Cordocentesis provides hope that congenital heart defects can be treated before birth, thereby reducing the need for heart surgery during the first years of an infant’s life. It may also be used to treat respiratory problems.

How long does cordocentesis take to get results?

In rare situations, cordocentesis might be used to check the shape and number of fetal chromosomes (karyotype analysis). Fetal blood karyotyping can be done within 48 hours, possibly providing results quicker than amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.