Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS) and Intrauterine Transfusion (IUT)

At the University of Chicago Medicine Fetal and Neonatal Care Center (FNCC), we offer special testing and care for babies with blood disorders even before they are born. Our team is here to give you and your baby the expert care you both need.

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What is percutaneous umbilical blood sampling?

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) is a test where we take a small blood sample from your baby’s umbilical cord before birth. Also called fetal blood sampling or cordocentesis, PUBS helps us diagnose and treat blood disorders in babies before they're born.

How does PUBS work?

• Typically scheduled after 18 weeks of pregnancy
• Draws blood samples from the umbilical cord to check for anemia, infection and other blood disorders
• Helps with genetic and cell testing

What is intrauterine transfusion (IUT)?

Intrauterine transfusion is a procedure to deliver healthy blood through the umbilical cord. During PUBS, if we find that your baby has anemia or other serious blood conditions, we may perform IUT immediately. This lowers the risk of severe swelling (hydrops), heart failure and miscarriage (pregnancy loss). Sometimes, babies need more than one transfusion before delivery is safe.

What happens before and after the procedure?

Before:

• You will have an ultrasound.
• You may meet with a genetic counselor and take blood tests.
• You may have an amniocentesis.

During:

• We perform the procedure in an operating room at the Family Birth Center – Hyde Park.
• Your team will give you medicine to keep you asleep during surgery and as comfortable as possible afterward.
• We will give your baby medicine to help keep them still and safe during the surgery.
• We use ultrasound to see your baby clearly.
• Watching you both closely, we carefully place a thin needle into the umbilical cord to draw a blood sample.

After:

We continue watching you and your baby for a few hours. Most families go home the same day.

Risks:

PUBS and IUT are safe for most people. Keeping you and your baby safe is always our top priority.

Like any procedure, there are some risks. These can include minor bleeding where the needle was placed, changes in the baby’s heart rate, or starting labor early. There is also a small risk of infection or your water breaking early. In rare cases, an emergency delivery may be needed.

Questions about PUBS or IUT? Need care for a blood disorder?

The first step is a consultation.

Call us at 773-702-6118 to learn more.