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💀anatomy and physiology i review

Cordocentesis

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Cordocentesis, also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), is a prenatal diagnostic procedure in which a sample of fetal blood is obtained directly from the umbilical cord. This procedure is primarily used to assess fetal health, detect genetic disorders, and monitor fetal development during pregnancy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Cordocentesis is typically performed between 18-22 weeks of gestation, but can be done as early as 16 weeks or as late as 34 weeks.
  2. The procedure involves inserting a thin, hollow needle through the mother's abdomen and into the umbilical cord to obtain a sample of fetal blood.
  3. Cordocentesis is used to diagnose genetic disorders, assess fetal well-being, determine fetal blood type, and monitor fetal infections or other medical conditions.
  4. The procedure carries a small risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, and fetal loss, which is why it is typically only performed when other non-invasive tests are inconclusive.
  5. Cordocentesis provides more direct and accurate information about the fetus compared to other prenatal tests, but it is also more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications.

Review Questions

  • Describe the purpose and process of cordocentesis.
    • The purpose of cordocentesis, also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), is to obtain a direct sample of fetal blood from the umbilical cord. This prenatal diagnostic procedure is primarily used to assess fetal health, detect genetic disorders, and monitor fetal development during pregnancy. The process involves inserting a thin, hollow needle through the mother's abdomen and into the umbilical cord to extract a small sample of fetal blood for analysis. Cordocentesis is typically performed between 18-22 weeks of gestation, but can be done as early as 16 weeks or as late as 34 weeks.
  • Explain how cordocentesis differs from other prenatal diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
    • Cordocentesis provides more direct and accurate information about the fetus compared to other prenatal tests, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Amniocentesis involves extracting a sample of amniotic fluid to analyze fetal cells, while CVS involves taking a sample of placental tissue. In contrast, cordocentesis allows for the direct collection of fetal blood, which can be used to diagnose genetic disorders, assess fetal well-being, determine fetal blood type, and monitor fetal infections or other medical conditions. However, cordocentesis is also more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, and fetal loss, which is why it is typically only performed when other non-invasive tests are inconclusive.
  • Discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of cordocentesis during pregnancy.
    • The use of cordocentesis during pregnancy carries both potential risks and benefits. The primary benefit of cordocentesis is that it provides more direct and accurate information about the fetus compared to other prenatal tests, allowing healthcare providers to diagnose genetic disorders, assess fetal well-being, determine fetal blood type, and monitor fetal infections or other medical conditions. However, cordocentesis is also a more invasive procedure that carries a small but significant risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, and fetal loss. These risks are why cordocentesis is typically only performed when other non-invasive tests are inconclusive or when the potential benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks. Healthcare providers must carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits for each individual patient and pregnancy when considering the use of cordocentesis.