Prenatal genetic diagnostics

Chorionic villus sampling (the tissue from which the placenta originates) enables a sample to be obtained for genetic testing in the early phase of pregnancy. The CVS method serves for examination of chromosomes and genes for certain genetic diseases. We perform the procedure in the early stages of pregnancy between the 11th and 14th week.
We perform CVS with a thin needle through numbed skin of the patient’s lower abdomen (we take a sample of about 15-20 mg of tissue only from the chorion without disturbing the amniotic membrane, i.e. away from the foetus).
With genetic examination of the tissue of the chorionic villus by the QF-PCR method (examination of the most common chromosomal aberrations, including Down Syndrome) the result is known with 24 hours from the sampling. The result of complete chromosomal examination by the microarray method, which is significantly more sensitive than classic “karyotyping”, is known in approximately 7 to 10 days.
The risk of miscarriage is 0.5–1%.
During the entire period of sampling, which lasts about 2-3 minutes, the needle is guided by the doctor under complete ultrasound monitoring Patients who undergo CVS describe this procedure as more unpleasant than painful with a comparison to the pain of menstruation.
After the procedure, the patient rests for 30 to 60 minutes at the CFGD premises; then the pregnancy is checked by ultrasound and she is released.
Each proposal and course of CVS examination will be discussed with you by CFGD in detail both before and during the procedure, so that you are fully informed.
Last but not least, in the case of a pathological genetic result, the advantage of CVS versus other prenatal genetic tests is that early and medically safe termination of pregnancy under full anaesthetic and without further psychological burden is possible.