Also called: CVS; Chorionic Villus Biopsy; Transabdominal CVS; Transcervical CVS
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), also called a chorionic villus biopsy, is a test for genetic problems in unborn babies. Similar to amniocentesis, a provider takes a small sample to be tested. However, while amniocentesis uses fluid from the amniotic sac, CVS uses tissue from the placenta.
CVS is normally performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. CVS does not give the same information as amniocentesis, specifically, it does not identify neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.
There are two types of CVS procedures — Transcervical CVS is when the provider inserts a catheter through the cervix to obtain the sample. The other type is transabdominal. In a transabdominal CVS, a needle is inserted through the abdomen and uterus into the placenta to obtain the sample.