This test differs from a routine ultrasound and is not offered at every healthcare facility.
Rather, it generally must be scheduled at a university medical center or another specialized facility.
Ultrasound Preparation
Before the ultrasound, its usually advised for the mother to have a full bladder.
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A numeric risk (including the probability factor) will be assigned.
If the numeric probably is one in 230 or higher, its considered a positive screen.
Screening Reliability
There is an 80% accuracy rate in NT screening.
When NT screening is combined with beta hCG and PAPP-A blood tests, that rate increases to 90%.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is nuchal translucency screening done?
How long does a nuchal translucency ultrasound take?
The procedure usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes.
A Word From Verywell
Undergoing screening testssuch as the nuchal translucency screeningis no small undertaking.
Every pregnant person wants to know without the shadow of a doubt that their baby is perfectly healthy.
They only indicate that more definitive tests are required before any bang out of diagnosis can be made.
The Fetal Medicine Foundation.Nuchal translucency scan.
2018;2018:1-11. doi:10.1155/2018/6452050
Mount Sinai.Nuchal translucency test.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.First trimester screening, nuchal translucency and NIPT.