Why is nuchal translucency screening called a screening test?
Nuchal translucency screening test tells you what the chance is for having a baby with Down syndrome, trisomy 13, or trisomy 18. The nuchal translucency screen answers the question: “What is the chance my baby has a chromosome condition?” Prenatal diagnostic tests such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) give a “yes” or “no” answer about chromosome conditions. Prenatal diagnostic tests answer the question: “Does my baby have a chromosome condition?” When is nuchal translucency screening done? Nuchal translucency screening can only be done between 11 and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy. An ultrasound measurement of the baby called a crown to rump length, which measures the baby from the top of the head to their bottom, is used to determine your dates and make sure your pregnancy is between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. • If your pregnancy is earlier than about 11 weeks along, your nuchal translucency screen may be re-booked • If you are more than 13 weeks 6 days pregnant,
