Umbilical Blood Sampling (Cordocentesis)

Using ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is inserted through the abdomen and uterine walls to the umbilical cord. The needle is inserted into the umbilical cord to retrieve a small sample of fetal blood. The procedure is similar to amniocentesis, except the objective here is to retrieve and examine blood from the fetus rather than amniotic fluid for signs of fetal abnormality.