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Fetal Blood Sampling (FBS) During Pregnancy

Overview

Fetal blood sampling (FBS) is the collecting of fetal blood directly from the umbilical cord or fetus. The fetal blood is tested for signs of anemia, Opens dialog and other blood problems. FBS is also known as cordocentesis or percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling.

FBS is usually used when a Doppler ultrasound, Opens dialog and/or a series of amniocentesis, Opens dialog tests have first shown moderate to severe anemia.

If you are Rh-sensitized, Opens dialog and you are carrying an Rh-positive fetus, your immune system, Opens dialog can attack the fetus's red blood cells. FBS is used to look at a fetus's red blood cell count and oxygen level. It also looks for signs that your immune system is destroying fetal red blood cells.

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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.