A NEW METHOD FOR SAMPLING MATERNAL BLOOD IN THE PLACENTAL INTERVILLOUS SPACE

The intervillous space (IVS) is part of the histofunctional unit of th e human placenta and by being a fetal-maternal exchange interface is a n important subject of study for the understanding of fetal physiology , especially in nutritional investigations. A method developed for the collection of NS blood has permitted to evaluate the fetal-maternal. exchanges in an effective manner. Two disadvantages of this method, ho wever, are the mixing of TVS blood and fetal blood and marked hemolysi s. In the present study we introduce and describe some modifications o f this method using a single stylet for the perforation of the chorion ic plate which simplifies collection and reduces the chance of mixing and hemolysis of the samples obtained.