Cordocentesis is a medical procedure that involves drawing a blood sample from the umbilical cord for prenatal diagnosis. The spelling of Cordocentesis can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /kɔːrdəʊsɛnˈtiːsɪs/. The symbol /əʊ/ represents a long "o" sound, while /ɛ/ represents a short "e" sound. The word is derived from the Latin words "cordis" meaning "of the heart" and "centesis" meaning "puncture." Proper spelling is crucial in medical terms to ensure clear communication between healthcare professionals.
Cordocentesis, also known as fetal blood sampling or percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), is a medical procedure performed during pregnancy to obtain a sample of the baby's blood from the umbilical cord. This invasive technique is typically carried out under ultrasound guidance for accurate needle placement.
During cordocentesis, a trained healthcare provider inserts a thin needle through the mother's abdomen and into the uterus to reach the umbilical cord, which contains blood vessels connecting the baby and the placenta. The needle is carefully guided to collect a small amount of fetal blood which is then analyzed in a laboratory.
Cordocentesis is often used for diagnostic purposes, such as to detect genetic abnormalities, chromosomal disorders, or certain infections in the developing fetus. It may also be performed to assess the baby's blood type, measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, check for anemia, or evaluate platelet counts. The collected sample can provide essential information about the baby's health, function, and overall well-being.
While cordocentesis may carry a risk of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or injury to the mother or baby, these risks are generally low when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals. Moreover, the potential benefits of obtaining important diagnostic information often outweigh these risks, making cordocentesis a valuable tool for prenatal diagnosis and management. Close monitoring and careful consideration of individual circumstances are necessary to determine when cordocentesis is appropriate and advisable during pregnancy.
The word "Cordocentesis" is derived from two root words: "cordo" and "centesis".
The first part, "cordo", is derived from the Latin word "cordis", which means "heart" or "of the heart". This root can also be seen in other medical terms such as "cardiology" (study of the heart) or "pericardium" (the protective sac around the heart).
The second part, "centesis", is derived from the Greek word "kentēsis", which means "a puncture" or "a procedure of puncturing". This root is commonly used in medical terms to describe a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure involving puncturing a body cavity or organ to remove fluid or tissue for testing or treatment.