Nuchal Scan Test for Down’s Syndrome Screening Made Simple

Down’s syndrome screening is now much more sophisticated these days - offering a number of key benefits to women. Until recently, what is commonly known as  Downs test was based on a woman’s age and family history. This crude but important method of screening was much less accurate and if necessary an invasive procedure, the “amniocentesis” was performed. This procedure involves insertion of a needle into the pregnancy space to withdraw some fluid for further testing. Cells grown from the fluid are then used for analysing the chromosomes.

Of course this invasive step is associated with a moderate risk of miscarriage (about 1-2%) of a perfectly normal pregnancy! To improve matters and avoid amniocentesis, a combination of blood tests performed around 16 weeks were introduced. These were known as the Alpha Fetal protein test which was originally designed for screening for spinal defects. A combination of blood tests and maternal age gave an estimate of the risk for Down’s syndrome.

Although this was an improvement, it was not sufficient because amniocentesis was still necessary if a moderate risk was indentified. Enter the Nuchal Scan test.

The Nuchal Scan (also known as Nuchal translucency test)

This test has been a tremendous improvement because it relies, yes, on mother’s age, but also on the mother’s blood test and baby’s neck skin thickness, as measured by an ultrasound scan. This is where its name “Nuchal Scan” originates.

The test has been trialled and validated very extensively. The accuracy of the test in diagnosing correctly the presence of baby affected by Down’s syndrome is between 95-97%.

The nuchal scan focuses on the baby’s neck skin. It measures the nuchal fold thickness; the thicker it is the higher the Down’s risk. This measurement in millimetres, is combined with a measurement of special blood proteins, named the “free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin – free Bhcg” and “pregnancy associated plasma protein A – PAPP-A” are interpreted in a special algorithm to determine the risk of Down’s syndrome.

The results are issued as an estimated risk of Trisomy 21 (and Trisomy 18 and 13) as shown in an example below.

There are a lot more baby ultrasound scan features that can be taken into account to increase accuracy even further.

Nuchal Test Quality Control

Providing the service requires skill and technology. The institution at the forefront of the technology is the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London, led by Prof Nicolaides. Our clinic and our specialist sonographers have been accredited by the centre to provide the service.

Booking

You will need to book your appointment with us well in advance, so we can confirm you are within the window of 11 weeks to 13 weeks + 6 days.

Give us a call on 0845 201 1636 to arrange your appointment.
Nuchal Translucency Scan procedure.

You will have ample opportunity to discuss the test and procedure.
A full bladder is essential because it provides an ultrasound window for the sonographic waves to pass to the baby and provide a clear picture.

A blood sample will be taken from the mum and processed over 24 hours or so. You can expect the results within 24 hours in the vast majority of cases. You can choose to be informed by phone, email or by letter. A written confirmation is always provided with a full explanation of the results. You can discuss the results with your midwife, General practitioner and hospital consultant.

Our clients who have had their Down’s screening, enjoy further benefits in reduced costs of further baby scans including growth and wellbeing scans, anomaly ultrasound and gender scans. We do also offer specialist products including support socks for swollen legs, the Dream Genii pillow and specialist antenatal classes.

Prices

Nuchal test (scan and blood test) at  11-13+6 weeks (£160.00).
The price for Twins Nuchal Scan is £210.