Fetal Blood Sampling

Fetal blood sampling is done as part of identifying, diagnosing and treating problems in the fetus at certain times during pregnancy. A fetal blood sample may be taken to:

It can be done at gestational age of 18 weeks or later, right through the pregnancy

The blood sample is drawn using a thin needle that is inserted into specific areas of the fetus under ultrasound guidance.

Blood vessels in the umbilical cord. This is also called cordocentesis. It’s also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling.

A blood vessel in the baby. This is usually in the liver or heart.

You don’t have to do any special preparation before the procedure. Our experts will tell you if you need to have a full bladder for the test depending on the circumstances.

MediScan is a centre of excellence in Fetal Medicine and has a team of experts with over four decades of experience. MediScan’s well trained and caring fetal medicine experts will perform the Scan, ensuring high quality and comfort. They not only perform the Scan but also explain the findings of the Scan very clearly to the patient. They also counsel the patients and guide them in case any abnormal finding is picked up during the Scan.

It takes anywhere between 30-45 minutes to draw sample.

The procedure carries a certain risk of infection and bleeding and in rare cases can result in fetal loss.

MediScan is an acknowledged centre of excellence in Asia for fetal medicine. They have helped improve standard of care for pregnancies and have pioneered new assessment metrics and tools to determine the normalcy, safety and viability of the pregnancy. This therefore results in accuracy and reliability of its screening and diagnostic services.