Utilization of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling by South Carolina women 35 years of age and older

An increase in utilization of prenatal diagnosis was observed from 1985 to 1986 in South Carolina. The overall rate of 39.9% for 1986 is comparable with other areas of the U.S. Utilization was correlated with geographic residence, race, and referral source. While there was considerable variation in prenatal diagnostic test utilization between counties in South Carolina, overall utilization rates were reasonably high and continued to increase from 1985 to 1986. It will be interesting to see what effect CVS has on overall utilization rates as this new procedure becomes more established throughout the state.