See how ultrasound and chorionic villus biopsy procedures can prenatally screen and diagnose diseases such as cystic fibrosis through DNA amplification and genetic fingerprinting

See how ultrasound and chorionic villus biopsy procedures can prenatally screen and diagnose diseases such as cystic fibrosis through DNA amplification and genetic fingerprinting

The use of ultrasound allows a biopsy to be done during a pregnancy
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
  • © American Chemical Society (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
    Learn about the chemistry of marijuana and how its potency and safety is determined.
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
    And how much do you really need?
  • Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
    Injuries that break skin can be painfully memorable.
  • A scientist describing how her childhood curiosity spurred her career choice.
  • © World Science Festival (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
    Brian Greene and Richard Dawkins discussing their notions of God in the context of evolution and science. This video is taken from a World Science Festival program on September 24, 2014.
  • Learn how collapsing bubbles with sound can create sonoluminescence.
  • Courtesy of Northwestern University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
    Learn about the importance of adult vaccination against measles and other diseases.

News •

Scientists detect ‘pregnant’ coral using ultrasound device • Nov. 6, 2026, 12:47 PM ET (Popular Science)
Gentle brain ultrasound may help ease delusions in schizophrenia • Oct. 20, 2026, 5:00 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Transcript

NARRATOR: Ultrasound is used in prenatal screening and diagnosis. This pregnant woman is a carrier for the genetic illness cystic fibrosis. Her fetus can be diagnosed as early as 12 weeks by using a technique known as chorionic villus biopsy. Fetal cells are removed from the placenta.

The DNA from these cells is amplified and used to produce a genetic fingerprint.

Last Modification: