Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a procedure to extract a
sample of the chorion, which is one of the membranes that form
around the embryo in early stages of pregnancy. Although not as
widely used as amniocentesis, CVS is an early detection method for
some genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
CVS can be undertaken at an earlier stage of pregnancy than
amniocentesis and is normally arranged for the eleventh or twelfth
week.
The same testing regime used in Amnio-PCR can be applied to CVS. A
PCR analysis of the chorionic villus sample can be undertaken at
TDL Genetics, the genetics division of The
Doctors Laboratory, in the same way as Amnio-PCR with a
definitive result available within 48 hours of sample
receipt.
Information regarding Amnio-PCR in this website is also applicable
to CVS.