Updated Guidelines on Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling: Key Recommendations for Safe Prenatal Diagnosis
UK: The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has updated its Green-top Guideline No. 8 on amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), offering evidence-based recommendations for prenatal diagnosis. This fifth edition, updated from the previous version published in June 2010, guides the appropriate use of these procedures for pregnant women at risk of genetic disorders or other pregnancy complications.
The guidelines were published online in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Amniocentesis and CVS are commonly offered to pregnant women for prenatal testing, especially when there is an increased likelihood of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome or when fetal anomalies are detected through screening. CVS is typically performed between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation, although it may be carried out as late as 14+6 weeks if necessary. For those considering CVS during this time, individualized counseling is recommended to weigh the benefits and risks of CVS versus amniocentesis. The latter is usually performed after 15 weeks of gestation to obtain amniotic fluid for analysis.
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