Fetal Testing & In-Utero Treatment
Diagnosis. Decision. Intervention. All under one roof.
Request AppointmentOverview
This is the defining capability of an MFM unit. We offer the full spectrum of invasive diagnostic procedures and in-utero therapeutic interventions. These procedures require operator expertise that is only acquired through subspecialty fellowship training.
What We Offer
Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis
Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), and Fetal Blood Sampling (Cordocentesis) performed under continuous ultrasound guidance.
Fetal Therapy & Complications
Fetoscopic Laser Treatment for TTTS, Amniodrainage, and selective reduction in multiple pregnancies to protect the surviving fetus.
What to Expect
Highly specialized sterile procedures performed under continuous ultrasound guidance. Most procedures are minimally invasive and performed as day-cases, with close follow-up monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between amniocentesis and CVS?
Both are invasive diagnostic tests that give a definitive genetic diagnosis, but they differ in timing and technique. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) samples the placenta and is usually performed from around 11–14 weeks, while amniocentesis samples the amniotic fluid and is done from about 15 weeks onward. We advise which test suits your gestational age and clinical situation.
Is amniocentesis safe, and what is the risk of miscarriage?
When performed by an experienced subspecialist under continuous ultrasound guidance, the additional risk of miscarriage from amniocentesis or CVS is very low — in the region of well under one percent in current practice. All our invasive procedures are carried out by fellowship-trained operators, which is the single most important factor in keeping this risk low.
Why would I need an invasive test if my NIPT or scan was abnormal?
Screening tests such as NIPT or ultrasound estimate risk but cannot confirm a diagnosis. An invasive test with chromosomal microarray analysis examines the fetal chromosomes directly and can detect conditions that screening cannot, giving you a definitive answer on which to base decisions. It is offered when the potential benefit clearly outweighs the small procedural risk.
What is a chromosomal microarray, and how is it better than a standard test?
A chromosomal microarray is a high-resolution genetic test performed on the sample obtained during amniocentesis or CVS. It detects not only the common chromosomal disorders but also much smaller missing or duplicated segments of DNA that a standard karyotype would miss, providing a more complete diagnosis.
Are these procedures done as day cases, and what is recovery like?
Yes. Most invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are minimally invasive and performed as day cases under continuous ultrasound guidance. You can usually go home the same day and are advised to rest, with close follow-up monitoring arranged afterward. We give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave.
Do I need a referral for fetal diagnostic testing, and is it available locally?
These procedures are usually arranged after a high-risk screening result or an abnormal scan, and referrals from other clinics are welcome. Our maternal-fetal medicine team offers this level of invasive diagnosis and in-utero treatment to patients across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain under one roof. Coverage varies by insurance plan, so please confirm details with us in advance.