Cordocentesis or percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling use to examine blood from the fetus to detect fetal abnormalities. Cordocentesis is done by using an ultra sound. The ultra sound is guided to locate the placenta where the umbilical cord is attached. Once it is found, a very tiny needle is inserted thorough the uterine wall and into the umbilical cord. When the needle is on the umbilical cord, a small sample is taken and in two days test in the laboratory, you will know if your baby is most likely to develop birth defect or not.
Cordocentesis is basically performed when an amniocentesis failed to give correct diagnosis. The following abnormalities are performed using Cordocentesis.
• Malformation of the fetus
• Fetal infection
• Abnormal platelet count of the fetus
• Anemia for fetus
• Immunization
Cordocentesis is a test done to detect chromosome abnormalities and blood disorders to fetus. The test gathered in Cordocentesis is a very accurate one. Like other procedure, Cordocentesis has side effects, although side effects are mostly preventive like,
• Bleeding from the incision site
• Infection from apparatus
• Sudden drop of fetal heart rate
• Premature rupture of amniotic sac

Any symptoms from the above needs medical intervention immediately. Also get the help of a professional if other symptoms persist such as,
• Fever
• Chills
• Discharge of amniotic fluid
Cordocentesis can help parents like, early detection of heart defect and this will help parents prepare for the needs of the unborn child. Example if the fetus is suffering from arrhythmia, early medication can be applied immediately and possible worsening will be prevented. This can also help parents to decide whether they will continue pregnancy to its full term. Cordocentesis is also used to treat parvovirus. Parvovirus is a linear, non segmented single DNA viruses.