Nuchal Translucency scan

Procedure: During the NT scan, a sonographer or trained healthcare provider uses ultrasound to measure the thickness of the nuchal translucency, which is a fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck. This measurement is taken using specialized ultrasound techniques and equipment.

Measurement: The nuchal translucency measurement is typically taken in conjunction with other fetal biometric measurements, such as crown-rump length (CRL). The thickness of the nuchal translucency is recorded in millimeters (mm).

Interpretation: A thicker than normal nuchal translucency measurement may indicate an increased risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities and other fetal anomalies. However, it’s important to note that an abnormal NT measurement does not necessarily mean that the baby has a chromosomal abnormality; it indicates an increased likelihood, and further diagnostic testing may be recommended to confirm or rule out these conditions.

Risk assessment: The NT scan results, along with maternal age and sometimes other factors such as blood test results, are used to calculate the overall risk of chromosomal abnormalities. This risk assessment helps expectant parents and healthcare providers make informed decisions about whether to pursue further diagnostic testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, which can provide more definitive information about the baby’s genetic makeup.

Accuracy and limitations: While the NT scan is a valuable screening tool, it’s important to understand that it does not provide a diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities. It is a screening test that identifies pregnancies at higher risk, but only diagnostic tests such as CVS or amniocentesis can confirm or rule out these conditions. Additionally, factors such as fetal position and maternal body mass index (BMI) can affect the accuracy of the NT measurement.