What is Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound?

Apr 20
07:14

2010

Dr. Morice

Dr. Morice

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A nuchal translucency ultrasound is a sonographic prenatal test which can identify a high risk pregnancy during the first trimester. It is performed between the 11th and 14th week of gestation.

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What is a Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound?
A nuchal translucency ultrasound is a sonographic prenatal test which can identify a high risk

pregnancy during the first trimester. It is performed between the 11th and 14th  week of gestation.

 Aside from Down syndrome,What is Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound? Articles the test can also detect an increased risk for major heart efects and

other chromosomal anomalies in the fetus. Because it is performed during the first trimester,

compared to the Quad marker test performed during the second trimester, parents are able to know

their risk much earlier in the pregnancy. The test however does not provide a final diagnosis. If a

mother is in the high risk category, she is often advised to undergo an amniocentesis or a

chorionic villus sampling. These procedures are invasive and entail a small risk for miscarriage.

Findings from these two procedures will generally give the parents a definite diagnosis.

How is the Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound performed?
Nuchal translucency ultrasound is performed either by placing an ultrasound probe over the lower

abdomen or by gently inserting a thin ultrasound probe into the vagina. Ultrasound will measure the

thickness of the fold located at the back of the fetal neck. Other information needed during the

test includes the age of the mother, the gestational age of the fetus, and additional

bloodwork.

What are the factors that influence the test results?
The following are important factors that influence the findings from the nuchal translucency

ultrasound:

- Age of gestation (should be between the 11th and 14th week

- The scan is obtained with the fetus in the sagittal position

- Hyperflexed or extended position of the fetus may affect results

- The fetal image is enlarged to 75 percent within the screen

- The nuchal lucency should be distinguished from the underlying amniotic membrane

Is a history of tubal ligation reversal a risk factor for a chromosomal disorder?
Tubal ligation reversal has absolutely no adverse affect on the fetus. The correlation between a

tubal reversal and any chromosomal disorder is strictly due to the fact that most patients who

undergo a tubal reversal are older, and that older patients are inherently at increased risk for a

chromosomal disorder in the fetus.