What is Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) primarily used for?

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is primarily utilized for diagnosing genetic and congenital defects in a developing fetus. This procedure involves taking a small sample of the chorionic villi, which are tiny finger-like projections found in the placenta that share the baby's genetic material. By analyzing this tissue, healthcare providers can obtain significant information about the fetus's genetic makeup. This is particularly useful for detecting conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other hereditary disorders.

The technique is generally performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, offering results earlier than other diagnostic methods such as amniocentesis, which is typically performed later in the pregnancy. This early detection can be crucial for parents to make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy and potential interventions.

The other options, while important in prenatal care, do not directly involve CVS. For instance, determining fetal age is usually achieved through ultrasound measurements, testing for metabolic disorders often involves blood tests or other types of screenings more suited to later stages of pregnancy, and measuring fetal growth typically relies on ultrasound assessments rather than genetic sampling. Thus, the primary application of CVS is clearly in diagnosing genetic and congenital defects.