Nuchal Translucency Scan & Combined Test

A Nuchal Translucency scan (NT scan) is an ultrasound scan during which a small amount of fluid behind the babies neck is measured. Babies with Down's syndrome, heart defects and other chromosome abnormalities, often have an increased amount of fluid.

The amount of fluid is therefore related to your baby's risk of carrying a chromosome abnormality such as Down's Syndrome. The higher the measurement on ultrasound, the higher the risk. During the nuchal translucency scan we will assess the well being of the baby, and establish accurate dating by measuring the crown rump length (CRL).

What is Down's Syndrome?

Down's Syndrome is a disorder in which each of the body cells has an extra chromosome. Down's Syndrome is a lifelong condition, and all people with the disorder have some degree of learning disability and an increased risk of certain health problems.

How Common is Down's Syndrome?

The vast majority of babies are normal. All women whatever their age have a small risk of delivering a baby with a physical and/or mental handicap, however this risk does increase with the mother's age. In some cases this handicap is due to chromosomal abnormality such as Down's Syndrome. The chance of having a baby with the condition is 1 in 1500 for women 20 years of age, 1 in 900 for omen 30 years old and 1 in 100 for women who are 40 years old.

The Combined Test

The Bridgewater Hospital is the only facility in Manchester and Cheshire which provides the entire combined results of both the Nuchal Translucency Scan and the blood results on the same day. This is referred to as OSCAR.

"I chose the Bridgewater Hospital because they are the only hospital to offer the combined Nuchal Translucency Scan where you get the results there and then. During my last pregnancy I had a very tense, prolonged wait for the results of my scan. No pregnant mum should have to go through that – go to the Bridgewater, it’s VIP treatment from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave – superb!"
Briony Walker – Combined Nuchal Translucency Scan (Downs Syndrome Screening), 13 weeks.