what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I'm meeting my OB soon and they don't do sono's til 20 weeks (I know, I know). I asked the med tech what about the 12 week sono and she said no. I know I had the 12 week sono done when I lived in ny, but I don't remember what it was for exactly. I want to ask my OB about it when I meet him today...can anyone help? Thanks!!

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

A nuchal translucency (NT) scan is a screening test which assesses whether your baby is likely to have Down's syndrome. A screening test can only estimate the risk of your baby having Down's, whereas a diagnostic test, such as CVS or amniocentesis will give you a definite diagnosis (but also carries a small risk of miscarriage).

This is a "newer" test. WHen I was pregnant 6 years ago, I did not have an ultrascreen or an NT scan. I went from my 8 week sono until my 20 week sono without seeing the baby. They did other tests, such as an AFT, which was bloodwork, to determine whether or not there was a risk or Down's Syndrome, if I remember correctly.

And not all states do the NT scan/Ultrascreen at this time. My friend lives in Idaho and is also pregnant, and she isn't having one done.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

Thanks! I think that's what it might be, I'm in illinois and no one here has heard of a 12 wk sono... I just wanted to ask what they do instead of this sono cause I'm sure its impoRtant!

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

My OB doesn't do any in office sonograms just the dating scan around 8 weeks. Then they send everyone out for the 20 week scan. For me the NT Scan was optional but it is recommended if you are over a certain age, I believe 35. I requested to have it done even though I am under 30.

The scan gives you the risk of Downs and some other chromosome abnormalities, I think Trisonomy 18. I also had a blood test. My risk was 1 in 10,000. The test can't confirm if there is something wrong but based on the findings you can choose to have further testing like the CVS or Amnio.

Around 19/20 weeks I had a second scan combined with blood test results again.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I also want to add that due to an insurance mix-up, I missed my Ultrascreen at 12 weeks. I am seeing the doc again next week and will be 16 weeks then, and the receptionist told me that since they didn't do the Ultrascreen they will be doing a "Quad" screening which is done with bloodwork.

The quad screen is a maternal blood screening test that is similar to the Triple Screen Test (also know as AFP Plus and the Multiple Marker Screening). However, the quad screen looks for not only the three specific substances evaluated in those tests (AFP, hCG, and Estriol) but also a fourth substance known as Inhibin-A.

The screen is essentially the same as the screening tests that look for only three substances, except the likelihood of identifying pregnancies at risk for Down Syndrome is higher through the evaluation of Inhibin-A levels. The false positive rate of the test is also lower.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I did not have the NT scan when I had DD (almost 4 years ago). It measures the neck of the baby. That along with a blood test tells if there is a chance for genetic disorders ie down syndrome.

The Dr said that you can also get a blood test a little later, which will give almost the same results. The NT scan is not necessary, but a lot of docs do it.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I had mine done at 12 weeks but, the person who did it was saying that they are phasing the test out and was surprised that I was supposed to get it (although most people here do get it).

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I did have a sono b/c my dr likes to do sonos, but I didn't have the 12 week blood work. It was a personal preference.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

Posted by bonitachyc

Thanks! I think that's what it might be, I'm in illinois and no one here has heard of a 12 wk sono... I just wanted to ask what they do instead of this sono cause I'm sure its impoRtant!

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I had it done but my sister whose kids are 7 and 8 never had this test. It wasnt even around at the time. Its optional and a lot of girls skip it.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

They don't usually recommend the NT test here (massachusetts). My OB does the first major U/S @ 20 weeks

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

The main reason they do the NT scan is to test for downs syndrome and other possible genetic abnormalities. If your doc doesnt feel you are at risk, he/she may not mention it.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

Posted by bonitachyc

Thanks! I think that's what it might be, I'm in illinois and no one here has heard of a 12 wk sono... I just wanted to ask what they do instead of this sono cause I'm sure its impoRtant!

Message edited 10/5/2011 10:57:20 PM.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

I had the NT scan with both my older kids (7 and 5) and I recently had it again with this pregnancy. It's to determine if there are any markers for Down's. Blood tests also screen for these things, but there is a very high rate of false positives.

Re: what is the NT scan and why is it important?

There is a high rate of false positives so many physicians are not in favor. However, it tests not just for Downs but also for Trisomy 13 and 18 (both far more severe than Downs).