Chorionic Villus Sampling—Transcervical
(CVS—Transcervical; Chorionic Villi Sampling—Transcervical)
How To Say It: kohr-ee-ON-ik vil-uhs sam-puhl-ing trans-suhr-veh-kal
Definition
Chorionic villus sampling is a test that is done to look for chromosomal abnormalities in the baby. It is done during the 9th to 13th weeks of pregnancy.
A sample of tissue from the placenta is removed for testing. This is the organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby. It also removes waste from the baby’s blood.
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Reasons for Test
This test is done to find out if the baby has a chromosomal abnormality, like Down syndrome. It can also look for problems with the genes, such as cystic fibrosis.
This test may be done when:
- Other tests, such as a first trimester ultrasound or blood tests have abnormal results
- A prior pregnancy had a chromosomal abnormality
- The mother is 35 years old or older
- The mother or partner is a carrier of a genetic problem
- There is a family history of a genetic problem
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but there are some risks with this test. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Infection
- Miscarriage
- Rh incompatibility—a sensitivity to the baby's blood, which may enter the mother's bloodstream
- The need to repeat the test, such as if not enough cells were taken
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- Having an active infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection
- Carrying more than 1 baby
- Bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy
- Having uterine fibroids
- Having a tilted uterus
What to Expect
Prior to Test
Your doctor may meet with you to talk about:
- Any allergies you may have
- Whether you need to have a full bladder before the test and the amount of fluids you need to drink
- Arranging for a ride to and from the test
Description of Test
The vagina and cervix will be cleansed. A device called a speculum will be inserted to widen the opening of the vagina. An ultrasound will be used to guide a long, thin needle through the vagina to the uterus and placenta. This may cause some cramping. The needle will be used to take a tissue sample from the placenta. The needle will be removed. The sample will be sent to a lab for testing.
How Long Will It Take?
30 to 45 minutes
Will It Hurt?
You may have some cramping and spotting right after the test. It should go away in a couple of hours.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
The baby's heart rate and vital signs will be monitored. A woman with Rh negative blood will need to receive Rhogam to prevent a health problem called isoimmunization.
At Home
Rest will be needed in the first 24 hours before going back to activities. The health team will call with the test results.
Call Your Doctor
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Blood or fluid leaking from the vagina
- Belly contractions
- New or worsening symptoms
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org
American Pregnancy Association
http://www.americanpregnancy.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Women's Health Network
http://www.cwhn.ca
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org
REFERENCES:
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS). American Pregnancy Association website. Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/chorionic-villus-sampling/. Accessed July 27, 2020.
Routine prenatal care. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/management/routine-prenatal-care-36. Updated January 21, 2020. Accessed July 27, 2020.
Sampling of chorionic villus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/lab-monograph/sampling-of-chorionic-villus. Accessed July 27, 2020.
Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG Last Updated: 3/12/2021