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By Mayo Clinic staff
Chorionic villus sampling is usually done in an outpatient facility or the health care provider's office.
During the procedure
First, your health care provider will use ultrasound to determine your baby's gestational age and the position of the placenta. You'll lie on your back on an exam table and lift your shirt to expose your abdomen. Your health care provider will apply a special gel to your abdomen, and then use a small device known as an ultrasound transducer to show your baby's position on a monitor.
Next, your health care provider will take the tissue sample from the placenta. This may be done through your cervix (transcervical) or your abdominal wall (transabdominal).
- Transcervical chorionic villus sampling. If the placenta is in a favorable position, your health care provider may take the sample through your cervix. After cleansing your vagina and cervix with an antiseptic, he or she will open your vagina with a speculum and insert a thin, hollow tube (catheter) through your cervix. When the catheter reaches the placenta, gentle suction will be used to remove a small tissue sample. You may feel cramping while the tissue sample is removed.
- Transabdominal chorionic villus sampling. If the placenta isn't clearly accessible through the cervix or you have a cervical infection, such as chlamydia or herpes, your health care provider may take the sample through a needle inserted into your uterus. After cleansing your abdomen with an antiseptic, he or she will insert a long, thin needle through your abdominal wall and into your uterus. You may notice a stinging sensation when the needle enters your skin, and you may feel cramping when the needle enters your uterus. The tissue sample from the placenta will be withdrawn into a syringe, and the needle will be removed.
You'll need to lie still while the tissue sample is removed. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, although most of that time is devoted to the ultrasound exam. Your baby will naturally replace the small amount of tissue that's removed.
If your health care provider isn't able to remove an adequate amount of tissue on the first try, the procedure may need to be repeated.
After the procedure
After the tissue sample is removed, your health care provider may use ultrasound to monitor your baby's heart rate. You may experience cramping or a small amount of vaginal bleeding immediately after the procedure. Your health care provider may suggest resting for the remainder of the day. You may want to ask someone to drive you home. You'll likely be able to resume normal activities the next day.
Meanwhile, the tissue sample will be analyzed in a lab. Some results may be available within a few days. Other results may take one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the lab analysis.
