Nuchal Translucency Screening for Down’s Syndrome
Nuchal Translucency screening measures the fluid at the nape of the neck in the baby between 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days. It is important to understand that a certain amount of fluid may be normal. However, if if there is a significant amount of fluid present this may indicate an underlying risk of a chromosome anomaly (for example Down’s syndrome) or possibly a structural anomaly (most commonly heart abnormalities, Tricuspid regurgitation – leaking heart valves).
The screening is performed between 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days of the pregnancy. It involves a blood test and a highly specialised scan that measures:
- the fetal size (crown rump length).
- presence of fetal heart activity
- the nuchal translucency
- blood flow through the tricuspid valve of the fetal heart
At your appointment you will be counselled and scanned by a Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine / Specialist Midwife Sonographer. At the end of the scan, an individualised estimated risk for Down’s syndrome will be calculated and discussed with you. The findings and the potential need for any further investigations will be discussed with you by a specialist in Fetal medicine.
The test costs £185 and you will receive:
- a CD
- black and white pictures of your baby (up to 5)
- a written medical report.
We will also ask if you would like a copy of the report sent to your GP.
Please note that you do not need a GP referral.
We have a dedicated team of specialists and support staff waiting to help you.
Call us on 0121 454 7779