What is the name of the procedure used to detect potential genetic disorders during pregnancy?

Prepare for the Reproductive Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to confidently approach your exam.

The procedure used to detect potential genetic disorders during pregnancy can be either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Both methods serve the purpose of obtaining genetic information about the fetus, making the option that includes both procedures the most comprehensive choice.

Amniocentesis involves the collection of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal cells, and is typically performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. This fluid can then be analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities and certain genetic conditions.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), on the other hand, is usually conducted between the 10th and 13th weeks of pregnancy. It involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta (chorionic villi) and can provide genetic information even earlier in the pregnancy process. CVS is also used to assess chromosomal abnormalities and other genetic disorders.

Both procedures are invasive and come with their own risks, but they are valuable tools in prenatal diagnostics to assess for genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other inherited conditions.

Pelvic ultrasound, while important in assessing fetal development and anatomy, does not provide direct genetic information, which differentiates it from the other two procedures listed.

Therefore, by recognizing

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