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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

chorionic villus sampling

Prenatal diagnostic procedure involving sampling of placental tissue for genetic analysis, typically performed between 10-13 weeks gestation.

Full Definition

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is an invasive prenatal diagnostic test that involves taking a small sample of chorionic villi from the placenta for genetic analysis. The procedure can be performed either transcervically or transabdominally, typically between 10-13 weeks of gestation. Unlike amniocentesis, CVS allows for earlier genetic diagnosis but carries a small risk of maternal cell contamination and cannot detect neural tube defects.

Usage

Usage note: Often abbreviated as CVS in medical records.

In Context

  • "The patient elected to undergo chorionic villus sampling at 11 weeks to screen for chromosomal abnormalities." — Prenatal care documentation

Also known as

CVS

Don't confuse with

amniocentesis

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