Hello! Today we are going to talk about a test that many mothers may be a little afraid of, curious about, but sometimes it is very important to know crucial information about the baby's health. That is the test called `(Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling)`. The words seem a bit long, don't they? So we will call it `(PUBS)` for short. You may have heard this name, or your doctor may have told you about it. So what is `(PUBS)`? Why is it done? How is it done? Today we will talk about all this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is this PUBS test, doctor?
Simply put, `(PUBS)` is a test that takes a blood sample directly from the umbilical cord of the baby in the womb . Think of it like we give blood to a patient, in this case too a small amount of the baby's blood is tested. This is also called `(Cordocentesis)`, `(fetal blood sampling)` or `(umbilical vein sampling)`. Although there are many names, the same thing is done.
Now, this `(PUBS)` test is not a routine test like other tests. You may have heard of `(Amniocentesis)` (a test that takes a small amount of fluid from the baby) or `(Chorionic Villus Sampling - CVS)` (a test that takes a small amount of the placenta from the mother's womb). Most of the time, doctors do these tests first. However, if the results from those tests are not clear enough, or if there is something that needs to be looked at in more depth, or if you need to know something urgently, then this `(PUBS)` test is used. That is, this is a test that is done in a few special cases, when you need to know something quickly and accurately about the baby's health.
So, why is this PUBS test being done? What is it looking for?
You might be wondering, why do something like this when there are other tests available? There are several main reasons to do the `(PUBS)` test:
- Quickly check if there is a problem with the baby's chromosomes: Chromosomes, that is, ``Chromosomes'' are the smallest things in our body. It's like a book that contains all our genetic information. They affect the baby's growth, appearance, and everything else. So this test can check if there is any abnormality in the baby, for example, a condition like ``Down Syndrome''. If there is any doubt about the result of other tests , this can be used to confirm it.
- If you suspect that your baby has other health problems: Sometimes doctors may suspect that your baby has anemia, a platelet disorder, or a thyroid condition. To know for sure, a sample of your baby's blood needs to be tested. This is when the PUBS test becomes very important.
The important thing is that, based on the information obtained from this test, treatment can sometimes begin while the baby is still in the womb.
What are the special advantages of the PUBS test?
One of the biggest advantages of this test is its speed . Results are usually available in as little as three days. This is very valuable when you need to know the baby's condition quickly.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, if there is a suspicion that the baby has anemia or a platelet disorder, the only way to confirm it is with the PUBS test. This is because a sample of the baby's blood is taken directly, not a water sample like other tests.
Another important thing is that, if necessary, the baby can be given a blood transfusion or other necessary fluids while the test is being performed. Imagine, if this test reveals that the baby is severely anemic, the baby can be given some blood while the needle is still in place. This may even save the baby's life.
Is it good for me to take this PUBS test too? Who recommends it?
Not all pregnant women are advised to have this ``(PUBS)`` test. Your doctor may recommend this test for you only if there are specific reasons. For example:
- If you notice any abnormality or change in your baby during an ultrasound scan.
- If the results of other previous tests (e.g., Amniocentesis) are unclear, or if further confirmation of those results is needed.
- If there is a suspicion that there is an incompatibility between the mother and the baby's blood types (`Rh incompatibility`). This can sometimes cause problems for the baby. So if there is such a suspicion, this `(PUBS)` test can confirm it.
- If there is a suspicion that the baby has contracted an infection in the womb, for example, an infection like Toxoplasmosis.
It is in situations like this that the doctor will talk to you and determine the need for the `(PUBS)` test.
But is there a risk in this? Let's be aware of that too.
Yes, as with any medical test, there are some small risks associated with the PUBS test. It's understandable to feel a little apprehensive about a test like this. The main thing to remember is that these risks are very rare.
- There is a very rare chance of miscarriage .
- Otherwise, an infection may occur .
- Bleeding from the umbilical cord and a slight decrease in the baby's heart rate can also occur very rarely.
But don't be unnecessarily scared by this. Your doctor will talk to you very clearly about all these risks. Before doing this test, the benefits and risks are carefully weighed and the decision is made. The doctor will perform this test very carefully, using an ultrasound scan. The most important thing is to ask the doctor and clarify any questions, fears, or doubts you may have.
How is this PUBS test actually done? Please explain a little.
Your fear will ease a little once you learn how this test is performed. It is performed by very skilled and experienced doctors.
1. First, you will be connected to an ultrasound scan machine. This allows the doctor to clearly see the baby in your womb and the umbilical cord.
2. Then, the skin on your stomach will be cleaned and a small amount of local anesthetic will be injected to numb it. So you won't feel much pain.
3. Next, the doctor, under the guidance of an ultrasound scan, will carefully insert a very fine, long needle through your abdomen, through your uterus, and into a blood vessel in the baby's umbilical cord.
4. Once the needle is in the right place, a small blood sample is drawn into a syringe.
5. After the blood sample is taken, the needle is carefully removed.
Since the entire process is being watched live on an ultrasound scan, the doctor can monitor whether the needle is going exactly where it should and whether the baby is not having any problems. After the test, you will be monitored for a while before being sent home.
When is this test usually done during pregnancy?
The PUBS test is usually done after 18 weeks of pregnancy . By this time, the baby has developed enough and the umbilical cord can be seen clearly enough to take a blood sample. However, in some special cases, it can be done later. This is decided by your doctor.
How long does it take to know the results?
This is another good thing about the `(PUBS)` test. Usually, the results are available within a short period of time, about 3 days. Sometimes they can be available even earlier. Because of this speed, if there is any problem with the baby, the necessary steps can be taken quickly.
Shall we remind ourselves of the most important things we talked about? (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's recap the main points we discussed about the `(PUBS)` test today:
- ``(PUBS)`` is a special test that takes blood directly from the baby's umbilical cord .
- This is done to quickly and accurately detect problems with the baby's chromosomes, anemia, and infections .
- This is often done when other tests do not provide clear results or when urgent information is needed.
- The advantages are quick results, accurate diagnosis, and the ability to treat the baby during the test if necessary .
- It is usually done after 18 weeks of pregnancy .
- There are some very rare risks involved with this test, so it's important to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of the test and ask any questions you may have.
Remember, these tests are there to help you and your baby. So don't be afraid, talk everything over with your doctor, and face this with a calm mind. We wish you and your unborn baby all the best!
` PUBS, Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling, Cordocentesis, Blood sampling from the umbilical cord, Pregnancy tests, Baby's health, Chromosomal abnormalities, Prenatal Test
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