How is the sample taken?
First, the vagina and cervix are thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic. Then, using ultrasound as a guide, a physician inserts a thin tube through the vagina and cervix (transcervical CVS) to the villi, and uses gentle suction to remove a small sample. No anesthetic is required. Some women say CVS doesn’t hurt at all; others experience cramping or a pinch when the sample is taken. Depending upon an individual woman’s anatomy, the physician may choose to reach the chorionic villi by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall (transabdominal CVS), also using ultrasound guidance. Studies have found the two forms of CVS to be equally safe, unless the woman has a retroverted (tipped) uterus, in which case the risk of miscarriage is higher if the procedure is done transcervically. Therefore, transabdominal CVS is recommended for women with a retroverted uterus. If the location of the placenta prevents this procedure, amniocentesis can be considered as an alternative. After the sample is
collection to you free-of-charge. Following the instructions included in the test kit, a small drop of blood is collected from the mother by a painless finger prick. Once this is done, the test kit is sent back to us, and the sample will be analysed and results sent back to the orderer either by mail or email.
