Amniocentesis and Chroionic Villus Sampling (CVS) A report in MST5: Biotechnology and Society

Submitted By: Alma Joy C. Elisan Karlo Mauro C. Tanjili

Date Submitted: January 10, 2012

Amniocentesis Meaning Amniocentesis is a maternal screening where a little of the amniotic fluid is extracted for testing. It is used to identify genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or other inherited disorders such muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis.

Between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy is done if you want to determine fetal lung maturity.

Results This test determines whether the unborn baby has genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. It identifies several hundred genetic disorders including some of the most common such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome. It can also identify other genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease, Huntingtons disease, Sickle cell disease, and cystic fibrosis. This test can also check the wellbeing of the baby.

Process First, an ultrasound is prepared to locate the best place to get the amniotic fluid and it is also used to ensure that the needle is going to the right path. The abdomen will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection after injecting the anesthesia. A long, thin needle will be inserted through your abdominal wall. This may cause a sharp, stinging sensation.

Disadvantages Miscarriages can occur as a result of infection developing in the uterus, waters breaking, contractions that don't stop, or excessive bleeding. If miscarriage is going to occur as the result of an amniocentesis test, it is most likely to happen in the days or week after the test was carried out. Occasionally babies are pricked by the needle - though this doesn't usually cause any long term injury. Research has shown that babies who have had amniocentesis have about a 1% increase in the risk of developing respiratory distress at birth. Respiratory distress can be treated but may require your baby to be in the intensive care nursery after birth until he stabilises.

Using the ultrasound image as a guide, the needle will be passed into the amniotic sac that surrounds the fetus. A syringe removes a small sample of the amniotic fluid, which will be sent for analysis in a laboratory. Amniocentesis is performed between the 15th and the 20th week of pregnancy.

References http://www.kidspot.com.au/familyhe alth/Pregnancy-HealthAmniocentesis+3289+184+article.ht m http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Amni ocentesis/Pages/How-is-itperformed.aspx https://www.msu.edu/course/isb/202/ whalon/EC_projects/.../34.doc http://www.medicinenet.com/amnioc entesis/page3.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/amnioc entesis/article.htm

Chroionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Results: Results may either be positive (disorder/s detected) or negative (normal). The results accuracy is around 98-99%. Results are to be given to the couple two weeks after the test, and counseling sessions will be conducted regarding the couples future plans.

Definition and Rationale: A test done during a womans trimester. A test that makes use of the chorionic villus (placental tissue). The sampled villus is then grown in cell culture and its genetic makeup studied. The study aims to determine if the child has genetic disorders like Down syndrome or hemophilia. It helps the couple to plan ahead or to terminate the pregnancy.

Ethical/Moral Issues: The test itself can foretell the babys condition, giving couples an option to continue pregnancy. Termination of pregnancy means abortion, which is considered murder by most religious groups.

Methodology: Transcervical CVS o A catheter is inserted into the uterus through the cervix and collects the villus by suctioning. The catheter is guided by ultrasound. Transabdominal CVS o A needle is inserted into the uterus through the abdomen to draw an amount of villus. The needle is also guided through ultrasound. The collected sample is then analyzed in the lab and grown in cell culture, where its genome is to be examined.

References: Chorionic Villus Sampling: CVS. Date Accessed: December 26, 2011. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/p renataltesting/cvs.html Chorionic Villus Sampling. Date Accessed: December 26, 2011. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus /ency/article/003406.htm Health & Pregnancy: Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). Date Accessed: December 26, 2011. http://www.webmd.com/baby/chorio nic-villus-sampling-cvs CVS: Video. Date Accessed: December 27, 2011. http://video.about.com/pregnancy/Ch orionic-Villus-Sampling.htm