Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling.

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) provides a new and exciting method for assessment and management of certain fetal disorders. This procedure offers direct access to the fetal circulation for obtaining blood samples or for transfusing the fetus in utero. Although investigational, PUBS offers treatment approaches that were not previously available. This ability to treat the fetus in utero can prolong pregnancy, resulting in decreased prematurity and mortality rates for infants with erythroblastosis fetalis. This article describes the PUBS procedure and the indications for PUBS and discusses the nursing implications associated with the care of women undergoing PUBS.