NT Scan
Embracing
New Horizons in
Pregnancy
with NT Scan
The Nuchal
Translucency (NT) scan is a specialized imaging technique for prenatal
screening and is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy. It combines
ultrasound sonography and maternal blood testing to screen, determine, and
assess the risk or at-risk conditions for chromosomal abnormalities or other
developmental problems in the fetus. NT scan is a screening test and is not
often considered as a diagnostic tool as it primarily screens for the risks or
symptoms of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome, trisomy 18, or
trisomy 13. The scan is often performed in the 11th to 14 weeks of pregnancy as
the fetus is big enough for accurate measurements of the nuchal translucency,
which is a fluid-filled space in the back of the baby’s neck.
Overview of the Key Aspects of the NT Scan
Two Main Components of the NT Scan:
Ultrasound
imaging and maternal blood testing are the two main components of the NT Scan.
Ultrasound techniques uses a specialized ultrasound machine that measure the
nuchal translucency. This helps in the detection of how much fluid has
accumulated which in turn helps in determining the risk for certain chromosomal
abnormalities. Maternal blood testing is used to measure specific hormones,
proteins, and hCG in the mother’s body. Results from both the tests are
combined for accurate and more detailed assessment of the risk profile.
Procedure:
●
The healthcare provider will
recommend NT scan based on the gestational age and individual risk factors of
the mother and baby.
●
Patients will be asked to lie
on an examination table with their abdomen exposed.
●
The ultrasound technician will
then apply a gel on the stomach and use the transducer to generate ultrasound
images on the monitor.
●
The technician will then focus
on measuring the nuchal translucency by measuring its thickness through the
ultrasound images. This measurement enables the assessment of risk of
chromosomal defects.
●
After the ultrasound, a
maternal blood test will be conducted to measure hormones, proteins, and other
markers in the mother’s blood which are then used to calculate the risk
profile.
●
Healthcare provider will then
review the combined results of the ultrasound and blood test and discuss the
results with the patient.
●
Based on the outcomes, patients
may be advised for more testing for confirmations.
Benefits:
●
Relatively quick, painless, and
non-invasive
●
Helps in early detection of any
abnormalities in the feral growth
●
Helps in determine the risk of
the baby developing a chromosomal defects before any structural changes are
observed
●
Enables determination of any
additional medical and diagnostic tests needed for in-depth evaluation
●
Enables proper and informed
decision-making regarding patient’s pregnancy
●
Early diagnosis enables
implantation of proper, personalised treatment plans for early intervention
It is imperative
for patients to ensure the scan is scheduled within the 11th and 14th week of
pregnancy for accurate measurements. Patients must inform their healthcare
providers about the relevant medical history and if they’ve undergone any
recent ultrasound procedures so as to help in proper and accurate diagnosis.
Patients must inform their healthcare provider if they are allergic to latex or
the gel used during ultrasound. In case any questions or doubt arises during
the procedure, ask your healthcare provider as it can reduce the risk of
anxiety and help in being emotionally calm and stable during the procedure.
