PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS - (PUBS) Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling

For certain tests, it may be necessary to obtain a small sample of blood from your baby’s umbilical cord. In other conditions, such as severe anemia, your baby might actually need a blood transfusion while still inside the uterus. When these things are necessary, they are done by a procedure called Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS). Before the procedure, the indications, risks, benefits and alternatives will be explained to you in detail. The procedure is performed in the hospital under sterile conditions. Your doctor will use ultrasound to identify the umbilical vein within the umbilical cord. Under ultrasound guidance, a thin needle will be inserted into the umbilical vein. Blood will be drawn and/or transfused as needed. In some cases, medications may be administered into the umbilical vein.

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