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Health Information and Tools >  Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

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Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Test Overview

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a test that can find certain problems with your fetus, Opens dialog. These include many diseases that run in families (genetic conditions) and chromosome, Opens dialog problems. It is done during early pregnancy, most often between the 10th and 13th weeks.

Chorionic villi, Opens dialog are tiny finger-shaped growths found in the placenta, Opens dialog. The chorionic villus cells have the same genetic material as the baby's cells. During CVS, a sample of the chorionic villus cells is taken. The sample is collected by putting a thin tube (catheter) through the vagina or by putting a long, thin needle through the belly. Ultrasound, Opens dialog is used to guide the catheter or needle to the right spot.

CVS can find many genetic conditions, such as Tay-Sachs disease, Opens dialog and hemophilia, Opens dialog. It can also find chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome, Opens dialog. CVS can't find neural tube defects, Opens dialog.

CVS is done earlier in pregnancy than amniocentesis, Opens dialog (usually done at 15 to 20 weeks). And the results of CVS are available sooner. This gives you more time to make decisions about your pregnancy or plan for the future.

Information about Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Adaptation Date: 06/02/2025

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Information about Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Adaptation Date: 06/02/2025

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services