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"Frontiers in Bioscience"

Chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
The chorionic villus sampling is done for various purposes. For example, the samples are used to grow cells for genetic analysis or sex determination. Two methods may be used to obtain such tissues. One is through introduction of a needle through the anterior wall of the abdomen and the other is to obtain samples by using a cannula through vagina and cervical canal. To avoid harm to the embryo or to the mother, the procedure is monitored with the use of an ultrasound scanner device. The procedure can safely be performed as early as ninth week of gestation.
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is used to obtain amniotic fluid. The fluid contains cells that can grow in vitro . Such cells can be used for genetic analysis or sex determination. Before the procedure, the placenta is localized by ultrasonography and then a needle is introduced to the amniotic cavity and amniotic fluid is withdrawn. The procedure can be safely done at the 14th or 15th weeks of gestation.