Chorionic Villus Sampling

Hi Alix,

My deepest condolences on both your pregnancy losses, that must have been terrible to go through. I can totally understand you being a little bit paranoid.

Please let us know what the genetic councilor says about the subject, I would be very interested to know.

I did go for the Panorama test at 11 weeks and I found it very worthwhile, putting my mind at ease. It was very interesting, in the sample of the mother's blood drawn, a "fetal fraction" is detected, which means, as I understand it, the percentage of the DNA sample that belongs to the baby (the rest is obviously the mother's DNA). Average is about 10%, they need about 6% for an accurate test. They test for Downs, Trisomy 18, 13 and Triploidy, sex chromosome abnormalities and microdeletions. If the results come back "High Risk" then my doctor explained that they will probably do an amnio. If it is low risk, as it was in my case, they forego the amnio.

All of the best and please keep us updated!

Clueless that is great to know - thank you! I know about the gender blood test at 10wks but didn't know that you could test for foetal chromosomal abnormalities through a mere blood test at this gestation. Cost is not a consideration so that would not enter the picture. If I can get what I need out of the blood test rather than CVS I am there. I am actually speaking to a genetic counsellor later to go through all of this and will definitely report back. It is good info to have.

Reasons for having it: advanced age, I am a carrier of a genetic condition which affects males and will have to terminate if it is a male and tests positive, have had two losses (anencephaly and spontaneous miscarriage). So totally paranoid.

Hi Alix,

I have not had this done, but my gynae suggested the Panorama blood test due to my age. It is more accurate than cvs (99% accurate for Downs and Trisomy) and non-invasive (they just draw a couple of vials of your blood). It is quite pricey though and medical aid does not cover it. It is done at 11 weeks gestation.

Not sure how it compares cost wise with cvs, but if cvs is not covered by your medical aid and is pricey, I would rather consider doing Panorama.

I agree with TheMrs, is there any particular reason why you are looking into it? Did your doctor suggest this or are you just considering it for your own peace of mind?

I don't know much about it, I had to google. Why do you need it done?

Anyone had cvs done before?