Amniocentesis and CVS are techniques to sample fetal cells. Amniocentesis samples floating fetal cells in the amniotic fluid and CVS directly samples the placental cells. The cells obtained are then processed or cultured depending on the tests required.
THE PROCEDURE
IT IS A CLINIC PROCEDURE.
IT IS PERFORMED ON THE SCANNING COUCH/BED WITH THE ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION ON GOING.
IT IS ASSOCIATED WITH MILD PAIN/DISCOMFORT.
RARELY PAIN-KILLER INJECTION IS REQUIRED.
THERE IS NO NEED FOR HOSPITALIZATION.
YOU CAN WALK IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PROCEDURE. HOWEVER IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DRIVE BY YOURSELF AFTER. HAVE SOMEONE TAKE YOU HOME AS YOUR MIND MAY BE ELSEWHERE.
THE ACTUAL PROCEDURE USUALLY TAKES LESS THAN 5 MINUTES.

AMNIOCENTESIS

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Sampling of the amniotic fluid

CHORIONIC VILLOUS SAMPLING (CVS)

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Sampling of the placental cells

GENETIC CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE DIAGNOSED EARLY IN PREGNANCY
    Karyotypic Abnormalities that can be diagnosed include:

    Genetic confirmation of an abnormal fetus.
    Down Syndrome
    Edward SYndrome
    Patau SYndrome
    Trisomy
    Triploidy
    Translocations



    Single Gene Mutations that can be diagnosed include:
    General
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    Asian
      • Alpha and Beta-thalassemia
      • Hemoglobin E
      • SEA Ovalocytosis
    Caucasian
    • Antitrypsin Deficiency
    • Cystic fibrosis
    • Hemochromatosis
    • MCAD (Medium-chain acyl-coA dehydrogenase deficiency)

    African
    • Hemoglobin C

    Middle Eastern
    • Familial Mediterranean fever
    • Beta-thalassemia