CVS stands for Chorionic Villus Sampling, a prenatal test performed to detect chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders in the fetus, such as Down syndrome. In this test, a doctor takes a sample of cells from the chorionic villi of the placenta to send to the laboratory for analysis. Compared to amniocentesis, which also detects genetic anomalies in women at risk of carrying chromosomal problems, CVS offers the advantage of being able to perform the test at the beginning of pregnancy (from 10 to 12 weeks). Amniocentesis is usually performed at the 16th week of pregnancy. Both tests involve an invasive procedure, which carries some risk of miscarriage or miscarriage. What problems does the CVS test detect? A CVS test detects chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome and other genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis. Unlike amniocentesis, it does not check for defects in the neural tube. CVS can also be used for paternity testing before giving birth. The potential father's DNA is collected and this is compared to the child's DNA, which is collected by CVS. The test has a 99% accuracy in determining paternity. What are the risks of the CVS test? Risks of CVS include: Miscarriage. One in 100 CVS procedures can lead to miscarriage, which is more likely to occur when CVS is performed transcervically rather than transabdominally. A miscarriage is also more likely to occur if the baby is small for gestational age. Rh sensitization. CVS can cause the baby's blood to enter the mother's bloodstream. To prevent a blood reaction if the mother's blood is Rh negative, the mother is injected with Rh immunoglobulin, thus preventing the production of antibodies. Infection. Although rare, CVS can trigger an infection in the uterus. Defects in the child. This is only possible when the CVS is run first... halfway through the document... if possible. Watch a video to learn more about CVS prenatal testing: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=PKG9yhkd8zQSummaryA CVS test is sometimes done during early pregnancy to determine whether a fetus has a chromosomal abnormality, such as Down syndrome. You should consult a specialist to learn more about the procedure, its risks and complications. Works Cited http://www.babycenter.com/0_chorionic-villus-sampling-cvs_328.bc?showAll=true http://americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting /cvs.html http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests- procedures/chorionic-villus-sampling/basics/risks/prc-20013566 http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chorionic-villus-sampling /basics/how-you-prepare/prc-20013566 http:// www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chorionic-villus-sampling/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20013566http://www. babycenter.com/0_chorionic-villus-sampling-cvs_328.bc?showAll=true