Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
Other names	Cordocentesis, PUBS
Specialty	{{#statements:P1995}}

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), also known as cordocentesis, is a diagnostic medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis to obtain a small sample of the fetal blood from the umbilical cord. This procedure is typically performed to detect fetal abnormalities, manage intrauterine infections, or assess and treat fetal anemias.

Indications

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling is indicated in various scenarios including:

• Diagnosis of genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities
• Assessment of fetal infections
• Evaluation of fetal anemia
• Determination of fetal blood type and Rh factor
• Assessment of fetal platelets count in cases of maternal immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Procedure

During the procedure, a skilled practitioner uses ultrasound guidance to locate the umbilical cord and then inserts a thin needle through the mother's abdominal wall and uterus into the umbilical vein. The blood sample obtained is then analyzed for various conditions or abnormalities.

Risks

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling carries risks such as:

• Fetal hemorrhage
• Infection
• Premature labor
• Fetal mortality

Alternatives

Alternative procedures to PUBS include:

• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling

See also

• Prenatal care
• Obstetrics
• Fetal medicine