Also known as percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (MSPCU), percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) or simply as funiculocentesis, lacordocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test that is used especially in order to obtain a sample to determine the existence - or not - of any abnormality present in the fetus.
Typically, this test is performed after the 18th week of pregnancy, and it can detect certain genetic conditions, blood disorders, and also different infections. In addition, if necessary, the procedure can also be used to administer medications to the fetus through the umbilical cord, as well as blood transfusions.
What is cordocentesis or funiculocentesis and what does it consist of?
Unlike amniocentesis, which analyzes a sample of amniotic fluid, cordocentesis uses a sample of the baby's blood, which is taken from the umbilical cord.
It is a specialized form of testing that can be used to determine whether the fetus has certain congenital or blood defects, and is only performed in certain circumstances, especially when both the woman and her doctor agree that the need for the information obtained outweighs the risks of the procedure.
How is cordocentesis performed?
The most opportune time to perform this test is usually between weeks 18 and 23 of pregnancy, although it is also possible to perform it later.
First, the doctor performs an ultrasound in order to locate where the umbilical cord is inserted into the placenta. With ultrasound guidance, a very thin needle is inserted through the abdomen and uterine wall until it reaches the umbilical cord to obtain a blood sample.
Then, this sample is sent to the laboratory and, normally, the results are usually available between 48 to 72 hours, depending on the urgency of the case and the study laboratory.
Likewise, if the pregnant woman notices something out of the ordinary, such as loss of amniotic fluid or vaginal bleeding, or develops some symptoms such as chills or fever, it is important to go to the doctor.
What risks may be involved in performing cordocentesis?
As is ultimately the case with any other procedure, cordocentesis carries certain risks for both the mother and the fetus. And although it is a procedure considered safe, it is also invasive.
The main risk associated with the practice of cordocentesis is spontaneous abortion, estimated to be between one to two per 100 procedures (the probability is estimated to be 1.4% to 1.9% of abortion). In fact, the procedure has a higher risk of miscarriage compared to other prenatal diagnostic tests, so its use has slowly decreased over time.
Other risks associated with cordocentesis may also occur, such as:
- Fetal bleeding
- Umbilical cord hematoma
- Decreased fetal heart rate
- Infection
- Maternal-fetal bleeding
- Premature rupture of membranes
What are the results of cordocentesis?
Although the procedure cannot detect neural tube defects, it can detect chromosomal abnormalities, fetal malformations, blood disorders, fetal infection, and fetal anemia.
Of course, the test is not useful to measure the severity of the problems, only to detect the abnormalities, conditions or disorders mentioned. Therefore, depending on the result obtained, it is likely that your doctor, together with a genetics professional, will guide you about the possible diagnosis, as well as answer any questions you may have and provide you with all the information you need, in addition to discovering the available options.
For example, it can be very helpful in exploring helpful medical treatments, finding support groups and resources, or beginning to plan life with a child with different needs.
In any case, cordocentesis can be a very valuable prenatal diagnostic test when other tests are not possible. However, as we have seen, as with any medical procedure, it carries its risks. Therefore, your doctor will be in charge of informing you at all times and answering all questions.
However, despite being a useful diagnostic test, it is not currently used as much as in the past, mainly because today there are other prenatal diagnostic tests that are characterized by posing a lower risk for the fetus, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). However, when these tests do not provide enough information, cordocentesis can still be performed.
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