What is cordocentesis for?
Cordocentesis, or fetal blood sample, is a prenatal diagnostic test that is done from 18 to 20 weeks gestation and involves taking a sample of the baby’s blood in the umbilical cord to detect any chromosomal deficiencies in infants, such as Down syndrome or diseases.such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, fetal anemia or cytomegalovirus, for example.
- The main difference between cordocentesis and amniocentesis.
- Which are 2 prenatal diagnostic tests.
- Is that cordocentesis tests the blood of the baby’s umbilical cord.
- While amniocentesis tests only amniotic fluid.
- The result of the cariotype comes out in 2 or 3 days.
- Which is one.
- Of the advantages over amniocentesis.
- Which takes about 15 days.
Indications of cordocentesis include the diagnosis of Down syndrome, when it cannot be obtained by amniocentesis, when the ultrasound results are inconclusive.
Cordocentesis allows the study of DNA, cariotype and diseases such as:
In addition, it is also very useful for the diagnosis that the baby has a congenital infection and may also be indicated as a form of treatment for intrauterine blood transfusion or when medications need to be given to treat fetal diseases, for example.
Learn more about testing for Down syndrome diagnosis
No preparation is required before the test, however, the woman must have performed an ultrasound and blood test before cordocentesis to indicate her blood type and heart rate factor.This test may be done at the clinic or hospital, as follows:
During the test, the pregnant woman may have abdominal cramps and should therefore rest for 24 to 48 hours after the test and not have intimate contact for 7 days after cordocentesis.
After the test, symptoms such as fluid loss, vaginal bleeding, contractions, fever, and stomach pain may occur.To relieve pain and discomfort, it may be helpful to take a Buscopan tablet, on medical advice.
Cordocentesis is a safe procedure, but it carries risks, like any other invasive exam, so the doctor only asks for it when there are more benefits than risks to the mother or baby. The risks of cordocentesis are low and manageable, but include:
Your doctor usually orders cordocentesis when a syndrome or genetic disease that has not been identified by amniocentesis or ultrasound is suspected.