What diseases or disorders does CVS prenatal testing identify?

CVS can help you in identifying certain genetic diseases, including chromosomal disorders. With the help of CVS, you can detect if there are extra or missing chromosomes. The main thing to know is that chromosomal changes can lead to birth defects and other dangerous issues.

CVS tests are considered for:

• Sickle cell disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Down syndrome, or trisomy 21
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Trisomy 18, or Edward syndrome

Remember that, CVS testing does not detect certain birth defects. For example, it can’t detect heart problems, cleft lip, or spina bifida. Ultrasound is considered a good option for an 18 to 20 weeks pregnant woman to check most birth defects.

If you have CVS, You should also consider a blood alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test later in pregnancy. The main reason behind this is that AFP can find neural tube defects that CVS doesn’t detect.

There are several benefits of CVS testing:

• Accurate results

CVS test results help in making important healthcare decisions.

• Critical information

This test provides critical information that can help you to make the best healthcare decisions. For example, you can prepare for special treatment your baby may need or you may decide not to continue the pregnancy.

• Earlier knowledge

You know that CVS testing is done earlier than amniocentesis, which means you can make choices at the beginning of the pregnancy.