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Multiple Choice

Which technique is employed for fetal screening?

Chronic villi sampling (CVS) is a technique employed for fetal screening, primarily to detect genetic abnormalities and chromosomal disorders in a developing fetus. During this procedure, a small sample of the placental tissue, specifically the chorionic villi, is taken. This tissue contains the same genetic material as the fetus, allowing for analysis through various laboratory tests. CVS is particularly valuable in the early stages of pregnancy (usually between the 10th and 13th weeks), providing crucial information about potential genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and others early on. This early screening offers parents the option to prepare for or make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy based on the results. The other techniques listed serve different purposes. Gene therapy is focused on treating genetic disorders by altering defective genes and is not used for screening. Carrier testing identifies individuals who carry specific genetic mutations but is not a direct method for screening a fetus. Tissue typing is primarily concerned with organ transplantation compatibility and does not pertain to prenatal genetic screening. Thus, chronic villi sampling stands out as the appropriate technique for fetal screening, providing timely insights into the genetic health of the fetus.

Chronic villi sampling (CVS) is a technique employed for fetal screening, primarily to detect genetic abnormalities and chromosomal disorders in a developing fetus. During this procedure, a small sample of the placental tissue, specifically the chorionic villi, is taken. This tissue contains the same genetic material as the fetus, allowing for analysis through various laboratory tests.

CVS is particularly valuable in the early stages of pregnancy (usually between the 10th and 13th weeks), providing crucial information about potential genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and others early on. This early screening offers parents the option to prepare for or make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy based on the results.

The other techniques listed serve different purposes. Gene therapy is focused on treating genetic disorders by altering defective genes and is not used for screening. Carrier testing identifies individuals who carry specific genetic mutations but is not a direct method for screening a fetus. Tissue typing is primarily concerned with organ transplantation compatibility and does not pertain to prenatal genetic screening. Thus, chronic villi sampling stands out as the appropriate technique for fetal screening, providing timely insights into the genetic health of the fetus.