Percutaneous Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling

Percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS), also called cordocentesis, fetal blood sampling or umbilical vein sampling, is a diagnostic genetic test that examines blood from the fetal umbilical cord to detect fetal abnormalities. The umbilical vein delivers oxygen-rich blood to the fetus from the mother while the umbilical arteries remove oxygen-poor blood, allowing the fetus's tissues to properly perfuse. PUBS provides a means of rapid chromosome analysis and is useful when information cannot be obtained through amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling or ultrasound, though it carries a significant risk of complication and is typically reserved for pregnancies at high risk for genetic defect.