What is the primary purpose of Chorionic Villus Sampling?

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is primarily performed to carry out genetic analysis of placental tissue. This procedure involves obtaining a small sample of the chorionic villi, which are tiny finger-like projections on the placenta. The placental tissue contains genetic material from the developing fetus, allowing for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis, early in the pregnancy.

The timing of CVS, usually between the 10th and 13th weeks of gestation, makes it a valuable tool for early diagnosis. The ability to analyze the genetic material at this stage often provides parents with critical information that can influence decisions regarding the pregnancy.

Other options, such as assessing fetal heart rate, analyzing umbilical cord blood, and determining maternal blood type, do not align with the primary function of CVS. These procedures serve different purposes within maternal-fetal medicine and do not involve the direct analysis of placental genetic material, which is the hallmark of Chorionic Villus Sampling.