Fetal blood sampling and intrauterine transfusion

Fetal blood sampling via cordocentesis, alternatively called percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, has improved the accuracy of diagnosis of fetal disorders, including hydrops, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, and genetic diseases. The ability to access the fetal vasculature allows timely intrauterine treatment, most commonly red blood cell or platelet transfusions. Such interventions have led to improved survival of infants who would have otherwise died in utero, from prematurity, or from late complications of disease. Appropriate patient selection and identification, monitoring, timely intervention, and a team approach between the obstetrician, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and neonatologist are key to optimizing outcomes.