Meaning of CHORIONIC VILLUS SAMPLING

WordNet Dictionary
	Definition:		[n]  a prenatal test to detect birth defects at an early stage of pregnancy; tissue from the chorionic villi is assayed
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	Synonyms:		chorionic villus biopsy
	See Also:		biopsy
Medical Dictionary
	Definition:		A procedure in which a small sample of cells are removed from the placenta where it joins the uterus. Used to test for chromosome abnormalities such as Down syndrome in the fetus.
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Biology Dictionary
	Definition:		This is a technique of prenatal genetic screening by obtaining samples from the chorionic villi. It can be done at 8 to 10 weeks of gestation (earlier than amniocentesis) but complication rates are higher than with amniocentesis. Taking a biopsy of the placenta, usually at the end of the second month of pregnancy, to test the fetus for genetic abnormalities (mutations).
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