Cordocentesis is an invasive prenatal test that involves the analysis of umbilical cord blood. This is the most difficult invasive prenatal test to perform in pregnancy, and carries the highest risk of complications. When and why is cordocentesis performed? How is the test done?
Cordocentesistoinvasive prenatal test , which is performed when a pregnant woman has a serological conflict. Based on the analysis of the sample, it is possible to determine, inter alia, karyotype (a set of chromosomes) and DNA to determine if a child has a genetic disease. You can also check the morphology and blood group (at the risk of a serological conflict).
When is cordocentesis performed?
Can be performed on 19-20. week of pregnancy.
What is cordocentesis?
This is an analysis of the cord blood. Under local anesthesia, the doctor inserts blood through the abdominal wall into the umbilical cord and takes blood from the umbilical cord loop. The examination takes several minutes, but then you should stay under medical care for a few hours. You have to wait about 7 days for the results. Cordocentesis is associated with twice the risk of complications (e.g. miscarriage) than amniocentesis.
What can cordocentesis detect?
In the case of a serological conflict, a test is made to know if the fetus is anemic and what is the concentration of antibodies from your blood that destroy the baby's red cells (if it is high, the baby can have blood transfused in the womb). By testing leukocytes (white blood cells), it is checked whether hereditary diseases occur.