Cordocentesis
Updates to Article Attributes
Cordocentesis is a method of fetal blood sampling which is usually carried out under ultrasound guidance.
Indications
It may be performed for various reasons which include:
- establish the degree of a fetal anaemia
- further investigation of an underlying chromosomal anomaly
- further investigation of in utero infection
Technique
Usually, a 20-gauge spinal needle is inserted under direct sonographic guidance towards the umbilical vein. A typical sampling site would be where the segment of the umbilical cord is closest to the placentawhere where the cord is relatively fixed. The presence of a posterior placenta increases the difficulty of the procedure and in such cases, a muscle relaxant may be required prior to the procedure to immobilise the intervening foetus.
Complications
There is a higher complication rate if performed prior to 20 weeks. An associated foetal loss rate as high as 4% has been reported 2.
Recognised complications include:
- transient bleeding at the puncture site
- transient fetal bradycardia
- chorioamnionitis
- cord haematoma
-</ul><h4>Technique</h4><p>Usually, a 20-gauge spinal needle is inserted under direct sonographic guidance towards the umbilical vein. A typical sampling site would be where the segment of the umbilical cord is closest to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placenta">placenta </a>where the cord is relatively fixed. The presence of a posterior placenta increases the difficulty of the procedure and in such cases, a muscle relaxant may be required prior to the procedure to immobilise the intervening foetus.</p><h4>Complications</h4><p>There is a higher complication rate if performed prior to 20 weeks. An associated foetal loss rate as high as 4% has been reported <sup>2</sup>.</p><p>Recognised complications include:</p><ul>- +</ul><h4>Technique</h4><p>Usually, a 20-gauge spinal needle is inserted under direct sonographic guidance towards the umbilical vein. A typical sampling site would be where the segment of the umbilical cord is closest to the <a title="Placenta" href="/articles/placenta">placenta</a> where the cord is relatively fixed. The presence of a posterior placenta increases the difficulty of the procedure and in such cases, a muscle relaxant may be required prior to the procedure to immobilise the intervening foetus.</p><h4>Complications</h4><p>There is a higher complication rate if performed prior to 20 weeks. An associated foetal loss rate as high as 4% has been reported <sup>2</sup>.</p><p>Recognised complications include:</p><ul>
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