A nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a prenatal screening test performed during the first trimester of pregnancy to assess the risk of certain birth defects, including Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome. The NT scan typically involves an ultrasound examination that measures the thickness of fluid at the back of the baby's neck. An increased NT measurement may indicate a higher risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities.
NT scans are an important part of prenatal care as they provide expectant parents with valuable information about their baby's health. The scan can help:
NT scans are typically performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. The best time for the scan is usually between 11 weeks 5 days and 13 weeks 6 days.
An NT scan is a non-invasive procedure that is performed using ultrasound. During the scan, the sonographer will use a probe to examine the baby's neck and measure the thickness of the fluid at the back of the neck. The scan typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
After the NT scan, the sonographer will provide you with the results. If the NT measurement is increased, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis, to confirm or rule out the presence of a chromosomal abnormality. If the NT measurement is normal, it means that the risk of birth defects is low.
NT scans are highly accurate, but they are not 100% accurate. The accuracy of the scan depends on factors such as the skill of the sonographer and the gestational age of the pregnancy. NT scans are more accurate when performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
NT scans cannot detect all birth defects. Some birth defects, such as neural tube defects, cannot be detected by an NT scan. Additionally, NT scans cannot determine the severity of a birth defect.
To ensure the accuracy of your NT scan, it is important to:
If you are considering an NT scan, consult with your doctor for more information. An NT scan is a valuable tool that can provide expectant parents with peace of mind or the opportunity to take proactive steps in managing potential risks.
NT Measurement (mm) | Risk of Down Syndrome | Risk of Edwards Syndrome |
---|---|---|
Less than 1 in 1000 | Less than 1 in 10,000 | |
3.5 - 4.5 | 1 in 500 | 1 in 5000 |
4.5 - 6.5 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 1000 |
> 6.5 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 250 |
Gestational Age (weeks) | Sensitivity | Specificity |
---|---|---|
11 - 13 | 85% - 90% | 95% - 99% |
Limitation | Explanation |
---|---|
Cannot detect all birth defects | Some birth defects, such as neural tube defects, may not be visible on an NT scan. |
Cannot determine the severity of a birth defect | NT scans cannot predict the severity of a birth defect. |
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