Fetal evaluation by percutaneous blood sampling

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (cordocentesis) provides direct access to the fetal circulation in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Seventeen patients underwent this procedure between December 1985 and December 1986 for evaluation of a variety of clinical situations, including nonlethal fetal abnormalities detected by ultrasound, equivocal results of amniocentesis, nonimmune fetal hydrops, and isoimmune disorders. Our experience confirms the efficacy of the procedure and suggests that it may become an important tool for fetal assessment and therapy.