Nuchal Translucency Testing

So what is Nuchal translucency testing?

Nuchal transulency screening is a relatively new prenatal test that is performed between 11 weeks to 13 6/7 weeks gestation. The test is done in two parts:

1) An ultrasound is performed during which measurements of the back of your baby's head are taken. This is called nuchal transparency - or NT for short - measurement.

Extra fluid in this area indicates an increased risk of certain birth defects.

2) The second part of this test involves taking a blood sample during a simple and easy finger prick. This test will measure two proteins - PAPP-A and hCG - that are made by the placenta and your unborn baby.

These measurements are combined with your age to determine your Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18 risks.

Nuchal translucency testing is:

83% effective for Down Syndrome

80% effective for Trisomy 18

The false positive rate for this test is 5%.

What does a negative nuchal translucency screen mean?

This means that your risk of having a Down syndrome baby is lower than 1 in 220 and lower than 1 in 100 for Trisomy 18.

What does a positive nuchal translucency screen mean?

This means that you are in a higher risk group. HOWEVER, a nuchal translucency testing is not a diagnostic test, it is a screening test. It can only tell you the odds you have of having a child with birth defects. If you have a positive, you will be offered more invasive tests including an amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling.

You will receive your test results in about one week.

The nuchal translucency screen will NOT give you a risk factor for neural tube defects. Also if you are an insulin dependent diabetic, this test cannot give accurate results for Trisomy 18.

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