Rapid and accurate diagnosis
Cordocentesis provides a direct sample of fetal blood, allowing for rapid (24‑72 hours) and highly accurate diagnosis of anaemia, infections, thrombocytopenia, and other blood disorders.
Cordocentesis, also known as Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS), is a specialised procedure in which a thin needle is guided through the mother's abdomen into the umbilical cord to obtain a sample of fetal blood. It is typically performed after 18 weeks of pregnancy and is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes when other tests are insufficient or unavailable.
This procedure provides direct access to the fetal circulation, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnosis of conditions such as fetal anaemia, infections, thrombocytopenia, and certain genetic disorders. In some cases, cordocentesis can also be used therapeutically – for example, to administer blood transfusions or medications directly to the fetus.
At Amytri, cordocentesis is performed by an experienced consultant radiologist with advanced training in fetal medicine and interventional procedures. Using real‑time ultrasound guidance, we safely access the umbilical cord to obtain a blood sample or deliver therapy. We provide thorough pre‑ and post‑procedure counselling, ensuring you understand the indications, risks, and implications of the procedure and its results.
Cordocentesis provides information that cannot be obtained through other prenatal tests, offering rapid diagnosis and therapeutic options for high‑risk fetal conditions.
Cordocentesis provides a direct sample of fetal blood, allowing for rapid (24‑72 hours) and highly accurate diagnosis of anaemia, infections, thrombocytopenia, and other blood disorders.
For fetuses with severe anaemia, cordocentesis allows for direct intrauterine blood transfusion – a life‑saving intervention that can be repeated as needed.
When other tests are inconclusive or unavailable, cordocentesis provides definitive information about fetal health, guiding decisions about delivery timing and neonatal care.
Fetal blood provides a wealth of information that can guide clinical decisions and enable life‑saving interventions.
We measure haemoglobin, haematocrit, and red blood cell indices to diagnose and quantify fetal anaemia – essential in Rh disease, parvovirus, and other conditions.
We determine the fetal blood group and check for maternal antibodies in the fetal circulation, which is critical in managing Rh isoimmunisation.
We test fetal blood for infections such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, and parvovirus B19 – providing rapid diagnosis to guide treatment decisions.
We assess platelet levels – useful for diagnosing fetal thrombocytopenia, which can be caused by maternal alloimmunisation or other conditions.
We measure fetal blood pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels to assess for fetal hypoxia and acidemia – helping guide the timing of delivery.
When severe anaemia is diagnosed, we can perform an intrauterine transfusion directly through the cordocentesis needle – delivering red blood cells to the fetus and stabilising the pregnancy.
We meet with you to discuss the reasons for cordocentesis, the procedure, the risks, and the implications of potential results. We answer all your questions to ensure you can give informed consent.
We perform a detailed ultrasound to assess the position of the placenta, the umbilical cord insertion site, and identify the optimal access point for the needle.
Under continuous ultrasound guidance, we insert a thin needle through the maternal abdomen into the umbilical cord at the placental insertion or a free loop. We aspirate a small blood sample or perform the transfusion. The procedure takes 15‑30 minutes.
Blood count results are available within 24‑72 hours. We call you with the results and arrange a follow‑up consultation to discuss them in detail. If a transfusion was performed, we monitor you and the baby closely.
Cordocentesis is a specialised procedure used in specific high‑risk situations where other tests are insufficient.
When MCA Doppler suggests severe anaemia, cordocentesis confirms the diagnosis and enables intrauterine transfusion.
Cordocentesis can confirm congenital infections by detecting the organism or antibodies in fetal blood, guiding treatment decisions.
When fetal platelets are suspected to be low, cordocentesis can confirm the diagnosis and assess the need for intrauterine platelet transfusion.
When fetal hydrops is present but the cause is unclear, cordocentesis can help identify the underlying aetiology (anaemia, infection, or genetic disorder).
When amniocentesis or CVS results are unclear, cordocentesis can provide a definitive answer by analysing fetal blood directly.
If there is concern about fetal oxygenation, cordocentesis can measure blood gases and pH to guide delivery timing.
Cordocentesis is one of the most complex procedures in fetal medicine, requiring advanced skills in ultrasound‑guided needle placement and a deep understanding of fetal physiology. Dr. Abhishek has extensive experience in performing cordocentesis and intrauterine transfusions, and works closely with neonatal and haematology teams to ensure comprehensive care. He provides clear, compassionate communication before, during, and after the procedure.
Cordocentesis can be an emotionally challenging experience – having your partner with you provides support and shared understanding.
We encourage partners to be present for the counselling session. While the procedure itself requires a sterile field, we ensure you are both well‑informed and supported throughout. We explain what is happening at every step, and we create a calm, supportive environment. After the procedure, we monitor you and the baby closely and provide clear instructions for aftercare.
Cordocentesis, also known as Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS), is a procedure in which a needle is guided into the umbilical cord to obtain fetal blood for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
It is typically performed after 18 weeks of pregnancy. The exact timing depends on the clinical indication and the urgency of the diagnosis or treatment.
Cordocentesis is a specialised procedure that carries a higher risk of complications than amniocentesis or CVS – including fetal loss (1‑2%), infection, and bleeding. However, it is performed only when the benefits outweigh the risks, and we take every precaution to minimise complications.
Cordocentesis provides direct access to fetal blood, making it one of the most accurate diagnostic tools available for the conditions it is used for – with near‑100% accuracy for blood counts, infections, and genetic testing from blood samples.
Yes. Cordocentesis can be used therapeutically – most commonly for intrauterine blood transfusion in cases of severe fetal anaemia (such as Rh disease or parvovirus). It can also be used to administer medications directly to the fetus.
Yes, a referral from your obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist is required. Cordocentesis is performed only for specific indications, and your care team will coordinate with us to ensure the procedure is performed at the optimal time.
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