What Is Nuchal Translucency Screening?
Nuchal translucency (NT) screening is an ultrasound test that examines the area at the back of the fetal neck for increased fluid or thickening, a sign of a possible fetal abnormality. This test is usually performed between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Nuchal translucency screening is often combined with maternal blood testing of two substances: pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free-beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These substances are found in the blood of all pregnant women. Levels that are higher or lower than normal may indicate an abnormality in the fetus. When used together as first trimester screening tests, nuchal translucency screening and maternal blood tests have a greater ability to determine if the fetus might have a birth defect, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 18, or a heart defect. If the results of these first trimester screening tests are abnormal, additional testing such as chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, or other ultrasounds may b
The nuchal translucency screening uses prenatal ultrasound to measure the amount of fluid at the back of your baby’s neck. This measurement, together with your age, is used to estimate the chance that your baby could have Down syndrome or two other chromosome conditions called trisomy 13 and trisomy 18.
Nuchal translucency screening is a test that may be done during pregnancy. An ultrasound is used to view and measure an area of skin and fluid collection on the back of the neck of the fetus, known as the nuchal area. This test is used to check the risk that a fetus may have for Down syndrome, heart defects, and other birth defects. When is it used? The test is done between the 11th and 14th weeks of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may advise you to have this test if: • You are in your first trimester of pregnancy. • You are at higher risk for having a baby with birth defects due to your age. • You have a history of a birth defect in a previous pregnancy. • You or the father of the baby has a family history of birth defects. Most insurance covers nuchal translucency screening. Some states have laws that require certain tests for pregnant women and newborns. Check your insurance coverage and the laws of your state. How do I prepare for nuchal translucency screening? Nuchal transluce
