This guideline sets a series of evidence-based standards to ensure a high level and consistency of practice in the provision and performance of amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

  1. Key recommendations (00:34)

  2. Aim (02:17)

  3. Background (02:52)

  4. Identification and assessment of evidence (05:36)

  5. How should care be organised in providing amniocentesis and CVS? (6:38)

  6. What are the additional risks associated with invasive testing? (09:44)

6.1 What is the additional risk of miscarriage associated with amniocentesis and CVS? (09:51)

6.2 What are the additional risks associated with invasive testing? (23:19)

  1. At what gestation should amniocentesis and CVS be carried out? (24:24)

7.1 At what gestation should amniocentesis be carried out? (24:32)

7.2 When should CVS be carried out? (27:24)

  1. What are the considerations when performing amniocentesis or CVS for multiple pregnancy? (29:30)

  2. What is the role of third trimester amniocentesis? (37:44)

  3. What are the risks of mother to child transmission of infection? (40:33)

  4. Recommendations for future research (47:24)

  5. Auditable topics (47:44)

  6. Useful links and support groups (48:57)

Disclosures of interest (50:33)

Funding (50:49)

References (51:30)