What we offer differs fundamentally from the traditional nuchal translucency (NT) scan. The 10-week ultrasound scan is an advanced systematic examination of all developed fetal structures performed by an expert. This method is very thorough as it uses recent technological advancements of a high-end ultrasound scanner and special probes to produce high-resolution images at an early stage. We check all visible baby’s structures, even its tiny hands and feet. Ultimately, the aim of the 10-week scan is to exclude as many fetal anomalies as possible and provide reassurance to the parents.
On the other hand, the nuchal translucency (NT) scan was developed nearly 30 years ago (1992), during the early days of ultrasound technology. Revolutionary at the time, the NT scan measures the amount of fluid in the back of the fetal neck. Increased NT is a nonspecific marker for chromosomal, genetic, cardiac, and structural problems; however, increased NT is also not an uncommon feature in a normal pregnancy. Conversely, most babies born with other anomalies, may have normal readings of NT.
Currently, NT readings are being used by the NHS as a part of a combined screening to assess the chance for Down’s syndrome, Edward’s syndrome and Patau’s syndrome. The NT test can currently be done in any NHS Trust and is performed by specially trained sonographers, which have regular external audits.
There is no reliable clinical research regarding measurements of NT at 10 weeks and we do not use the NT thickness measurement for the assessment of Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21). Instead, at 10 weeks we use the more recently developed (2011) non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), which has a superior detection rate and less false positive results compared to the NT quantitative measure.