Nuchal Translucency Scan

Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound Scan
Available from 11 – 14 weeks

Nuchal Translucency Scan

If you’re pregnant and want to assess your baby’s risk for certain chromosomal abnormalities, a nuchal translucency (NT) pregnancy scan may be recommended. This type of ultrasound examination is typically performed during the first trimester, between 11 and 14 weeks gestation.

During a nuchal translucency pregnancy scan, a healthcare professional will use an ultrasound machine to create images of the fetus and measure the thickness of the fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck. This measurement, known as the nuchal translucency measurement, can be used to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

This scan dose not include blood test for measuring hormones (free beta HCG & PAPA .And the risk is calculated according to ultrasound findings and maternal age.
If you want to get blood test for the hormones, you can choose “nuchal Translucency scan plus” service

Some of the things that may be assessed during a nuchal translucency pregnancy scan include:

Determining the gestational age of the fetus
Assessing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome
Checking the number of fetuses (to rule out multiple pregnancies)
Assessing the fetal heartbeat

Overall, a nuchal translucency pregnancy scan can provide valuable information about your baby’s health and risk for chromosomal abnormalities during the early stages of pregnancy. It’s a routine part of prenatal care and is generally considered safe for both you and your baby. If you have any questions or concerns about your pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if a nuchal translucency pregnancy scan is right for you.

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What is Nuchal Translucency (NT)?

Nuchal Translucency is the ultrasound appearance of the normal fluid collection at the back of the baby's neck. A Nuchal Translucency less than 3.5 mm is usually considered normal.

What is Nuchal Translucency Scan, and why is it performed?

A Nuchal Translucency Scan measures the thickness of the fluid collection at the back of your baby’s neck. A thicker than normal Nuchal Translucency is associated with an increased risk of fetal heart problems or many genetic syndromes, such as Down Syndrome, Edwards’ Syndrome and Patau’s syndrome.

When is the Nuchal Translucency Scan done?

This scan is most valuable when performed between 11 weeks and 3 days to 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy, and the baby’s head to bottom length measures between 45 mm to 84 mm.

How accurate is the Nuchal Translucency Scan?

Nuchal Translucency Scans by themselves have an accuracy of 80 % in detecting chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down Syndrome. However, the combination of NT ultrasound scan and maternal blood tests (β-hCG and PAPP-A) improves the accuracy to 94 %.

What information will the Nuchal Translucency Scan provide?

Apart from determining the risk of having a baby with genetic syndromes, such as Down Syndrome, A Nuchal Translucency Scan can show the baby’s heartbeat and movements, and number of babies. It can also reveal the cause of any concerning symptoms, such as pain or bleeding.

What if my Nuchal Translucency Scan shows an increased risk of chromosomal diseases?

Please note that NT is only a Screening scan, and not a Confirmatory test. Therefore, it cannot confirm nor exclude the presence of a chromosomal abnormality. If your scan results show a high risk of chromosomal diseases, we may recommend you to have further tests, such as NIPT, which is a non-invasive, simple but more accurate blood test, taken from the mother’s arm. Ultimately, your doctor may advise you to have invasive confirmatory tests like chorion villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

How long will the Nuchal Translucency Scan take?

This scan usually takes 20 minutes. However, it may take a bit longer if your baby is not in a favorable position. In this case, we may ask you to take a short stroll and return, or empty your bladder, or have a rescan at a second appointment, which will be offered to you free of charge.