Nottingham University Hospital CVS Testing

The BBC has reported that Nottingham University Hospital advised two couples that they had unborn babies with severe genetic conditions, causing the couples to make the heartbreaking decision to terminate their pregnancies.

Chorionic Villis sampling tests check if the babies had any genetic or chromosomal conditions such as Down’s, Edwards, or Patau’s. This test is not routinely offered to mothers unless there is a high chance of a genetic or chromosomal condition following an ultrasound scan, which indicates that the baby may have a condition.

CVS testing results are in two parts. The first part is available after around three days, called a rapid CVS result; the second part of the results is available several weeks later and provides a more detailed result.

Both couples underwent the testing and were given the devastating news that their babies would require severe care needs and that they may not survive the pregnancy. Based on this terrible prognosis, both sets of parents terminated their pregnancies at 12 and 14 weeks.

After the termination, one of the couples was asked to attend a meeting at the City Hospital. They imagined that this was for a routine follow-up. However, the consultant gave them the devastating news that the long-term CVS culture results showed that their baby did not have any chromosomal abnormality. An investigation by the Trust revealed that “all 50 cells studied had a normal chromosome compliment.”

Amanda Cavanagh, Associate at Ashtons Legal Medical Negligence team, comments: “It is without doubt the most heartbreaking decision these parents had to make. However, discovering later that they made that decision based on false information is unimaginable. Sadly, yet another tragic outcome for parents whose care came under the Nottingham University Hospital”.

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