Nuchal Fold Assessment (Nuchal Translucency)

What is the Nuchal Translucency scan?

MDU is fully accredited with the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), a world leader in obstetric screening and research.

The Nuchal Translucency (NT) is a skin fold on the back the neck measured approximately between 12 and 13.5 weeks gestation. Other fetal structures are also assessed. The NT thickness is measured and this gives the risk or estimate of the baby having Down's Syndrome and other conditions. Different data (for example the mothers age and weight) is then entered into a state of the art computer software program attached to the FMF. This then gives the risks or odds of baby having Down's Syndrome and other conditions. These results are provided to your referring doctor within the next few days. This is not a definitive assessment and is used to assess risk only. Different factors can affect the NT. The ultrasound may be combined with a blood test to give a more accurate assessment. This blood test will need to be requested by your doctor and this will calculate the combined risk factor. Please call the clinic if you have questions regarding this procedure. You will be given several photos of baby, often of the face profile, at the end of the scan. In preparation for this scan you should have a moderately full bladder so drink 1 pint of water one hour prior to your appointment

Information and online patient lectures may be found on the Fetal Medicine Foundation website.