At what weeks can chronic villus sampling (CVS) be performed?

At what weeks can chronic villus sampling (CVS) be performed?

• A. 8-10 weeks
• B. 10-12 weeks
• C. 14-16 weeks
• D. 16-18 weeks

Answer: (B)

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for genetic abnormalities in the fetus. The optimal window for performing CVS is between 10 and 12 weeks of gestation. This time frame is particularly important because performing the procedure too early (such as at 8-10 weeks) may not allow the chorionic villi to be adequately developed for sampling, which can impact the accuracy and safety of the procedure. Once you reach beyond 12 weeks (into the 14-16 weeks range), while CVS can still be performed, the risks may increase slightly, and other prenatal testing methods, such as amniocentesis, might become more relevant. Hence, the ideal timeframe for CVS is firmly established between 10 and 12 weeks, making it the best choice among the options given.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for genetic abnormalities in the fetus. The optimal window for performing CVS is between 10 and 12 weeks of gestation. This time frame is particularly important because performing the procedure too early (such as at 8-10 weeks) may not allow the chorionic villi to be adequately developed for sampling, which can impact the accuracy and safety of the procedure.

Once you reach beyond 12 weeks (into the 14-16 weeks range), while CVS can still be performed, the risks may increase slightly, and other prenatal testing methods, such as amniocentesis, might become more relevant. Hence, the ideal timeframe for CVS is firmly established between 10 and 12 weeks, making it the best choice among the options given.