Nuchal Translucency Screening

The Nuchal Translucency screening consists of a combination of an ultrasound exam and a blood test performed between 11 weeks one day and 13 weeks six days of pregnancy. In some cases, the blood test may be performed before or after the ultrasound exam. The ultrasound exam demonstrates a fetal heart beat and determines gestational age. Then, the amount of fluid accumulation behind the neck of the baby, called nuchal translucency is measured.

The blood specimen is analyzed for two chemicals called free Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free Beta), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) which are normally found in the blood of all pregnant women. The results of the ultrasound exam will be combined with the results of the blood test to estimate a specific risk for Down Syndrome and Trisomy 18.

Typically, results are available one week after a blood sample is obtained and are communicated to the patient by her doctor or midwife.