Listed among the numerous tests that are carried out during your pregnancy is the sampling of the fetal blood. It is known as Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling or PUBS in medical terms.

Pregnancy is a delicate period and requires special care. Anything may happen to the growing fetus if one is not careful and cautious. One needs to undergo the different tests to ensure that the baby is keeping well.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling is a test that ensures that the baby is free from any fetal abnormalities. It is an intrusive diagnostic test and is more or less similar to the amniocentesis test.

Testing the sample of the fetal blood is performed by doctors who are specialists and experts in the field of maternal-fetal medicine. These people monitor, diagnose and treat different kinds of fetal problems. The different purposes for which this medical test is carried out are enlisted below:

§  Detecting fetal infections

§  Identifying chromosomal abnormalities

§  Identifying genetic abnormalities

§  Diagnosing and detecting fetal anemia

§  Treating severe fetal anemia

§  Imparting medicines to the growing fetus

Sampling of fetal blood is an outpatient medical examination. Besides, the test is a time taking process as it has to be done very carefully. The method followed to perform the tests is same as that of amniocentesis.

In this test, the mother’s abdomen is first cleaned with an antiseptic. Thereafter, with the help of ultrasound a thin needle is carefully inserted into a fetal blood vessel. Once the needle enters into the blood vessel, a small sample of the fetal blood is collected and then the needle is removed. Once the test is completed, the mother is kept under close observation and the heartbeat of the fetus is also carefully monitored for several hours. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis. One can expect the results within 72 hours.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling is often used to administer medication to the fetus. It is also used if blood needs to be given to the fetus.

Though it is very good way of determining whether the fetus has any abnormalities or not, the decision to undergo this test needs to be taken after proper consultation with the doctor. Even though it is a safe procedure, there are certain risks associated with it that needs to be considered when deciding to go for this prenatal test.

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