What is the primary purpose of a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)?

What is the primary purpose of a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)?

• A. To detect fetal heart rate
• B. To diagnose genetic disorders
• C. To assess placental health
• D. To monitor fetal growth

Answer: (B)

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is primarily used to diagnose genetic disorders in a developing fetus. This procedure involves taking a small sample of tissue from the chorionic villi, which are finger-like projections in the placenta that share the fetus's genetic makeup. By analyzing the genetic material from these cells, healthcare providers can detect various genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or other hereditary diseases, early in the pregnancy. The other options focus on aspects that do not align with the primary purpose of CVS. For instance, detecting fetal heart rate usually involves ultrasound technology, which monitors the heartbeat but does not provide genetic information. Assessing placental health may involve different diagnostic tools, as CVS is not primarily aimed at evaluating the placenta itself but rather at obtaining fetal genetic information. Monitoring fetal growth typically involves ultrasound measurements rather than a tissue sample, making it distinct from the objectives of CVS. Therefore, the key role of CVS is its utility in the timely diagnosis of potential genetic disorders.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is primarily used to diagnose genetic disorders in a developing fetus. This procedure involves taking a small sample of tissue from the chorionic villi, which are finger-like projections in the placenta that share the fetus's genetic makeup. By analyzing the genetic material from these cells, healthcare providers can detect various genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or other hereditary diseases, early in the pregnancy.

The other options focus on aspects that do not align with the primary purpose of CVS. For instance, detecting fetal heart rate usually involves ultrasound technology, which monitors the heartbeat but does not provide genetic information. Assessing placental health may involve different diagnostic tools, as CVS is not primarily aimed at evaluating the placenta itself but rather at obtaining fetal genetic information. Monitoring fetal growth typically involves ultrasound measurements rather than a tissue sample, making it distinct from the objectives of CVS. Therefore, the key role of CVS is its utility in the timely diagnosis of potential genetic disorders.