How is the chorionic villus sampling (CVS) performed?
CVS is a diagnostic procedure which involves removing some chorionic villi cells from the placenta at the point where it attaches to the uterine wall. There are two ways that samples are collected. Transcervical: An ultrasound guides a thin catheter through the cervix to your placenta. The chorionic villi cells are gently suctioned into the catheter. This is the most common method. Transabdominal: An ultrasound guides a long thin needle through the abdomen to your placenta. The needle draws a sample of tissue and then is removed. This procedure is similar to that of amniocentesis. The CVS procedure collects larger samples and provides faster results than amniocentesis. Results may be received between one to seven days.
