Which prenatal test involves sampling placental tissue to detect fetal abnormalities?

Which prenatal test involves sampling placental tissue to detect fetal abnormalities?

• A. Amniocentesis
• B. Chorionic villus sampling
• C. PUBS
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (B)

Chorionic villus sampling involves sampling placental tissue (the chorionic villi) to analyze fetal DNA for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Because the placental tissue shares the fetus’s genetic makeup, this test provides early, actionable genetic information—usually in the first trimester. Amniocentesis uses amniotic fluid and is performed later in pregnancy to test fetal cells and biochemistry; PUBS (fetal blood sampling) collects fetal blood from the umbilical cord; ultrasound is an imaging method and does not sample tissue for genetic testing. So, sampling placental tissue to detect fetal abnormalities points to chorionic villus sampling.

Chorionic villus sampling involves sampling placental tissue (the chorionic villi) to analyze fetal DNA for chromosomal and genetic abnormalities. Because the placental tissue shares the fetus’s genetic makeup, this test provides early, actionable genetic information—usually in the first trimester. Amniocentesis uses amniotic fluid and is performed later in pregnancy to test fetal cells and biochemistry; PUBS (fetal blood sampling) collects fetal blood from the umbilical cord; ultrasound is an imaging method and does not sample tissue for genetic testing. So, sampling placental tissue to detect fetal abnormalities points to chorionic villus sampling.