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Expert Q&A
Question:
I am 39. I lost twins within a week after an amniocentesis last year. I developed a fever and the hospital could not stop the contractions. I am now very wary about having an amnio, however, I would like to know if my baby has Down syndrome. Can you please define what a CVS test is?
Answer:
Amniocentesis and CVS (Chorionic Villous Sampling) are both equally accurate in the determination of chromosomal make up of the fetus (karyotype). The CVS is performed between 9-12 weeks. A vaginal or abdominal approach can be used to withdraw a small amount of tissue (chorion) that will give rise to the placenta. Results are usually available with in a week. The risk of fetal loss (miscarriage) with CVS is approximately the same as with amnio (< 1%).
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