What is Cordocentesis

Cordocentesis is also called fetal blood or umbilical vein sampling
This is an invasive procedure where fetal blood from the umbilical cord is taken and tested for suspected abnormalities
This diagnostic test can only be carried out between weeks 18-20 because before this time frame, baby's blood vessels are still fragile
Cordocentesis can be used to diagnose Down's syndrome as a follow up to a scan
It helps in the detection of infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, herpes in the mother; a specific analysis is performed on the proteins found in the blood sample
It helps detect fetal anemia, assess the hemoglobin levels in baby's blood, and if necessary carry out an intrauterine blood transfusion for the baby
It is also useful in detecting rhesus antibodies in the mother and to check if it poses a risk to baby's well being
In cordocentesis a thin needle is passed through the abdomen into the uterus down to the umbilical cord where it attaches to the placenta
With the aid of ultrasound, a small amount of blood is then removed from the blood vessel for testing.
It is a very specialized, delicate procedure and the risk level to the baby is 1 to 2%
Test results takes about 3-4 days
Theoretically it is as good as any other blood sample testing.

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