NT SCAN

NT scan is recommended to all pregnant girls. It is currently the most accurate way to assess the risk of a particular pregnancy being affected by conditions such as Down’s Syndrome or Edward’s Syndrome. The scan is performed between 14 weeks and 16 weeks and 6 days of gestation and involves both an ultrasound scan as well as a blood test. This test is 10% more accurate than the current 16–week test offered by NHS trusts in the majority of regions.

The scan involves a measurement of the baby to accurately ascertain the gestational age. The baby’s well being and its environment will be examined to eliminate any potential abnormalities and a further measurement of a fluid filled space situated at the back of the babies neck nuchal translucency is taken by a Fetal Medicine Foundation accredited 4d scan staff.

As part of the NT Scan a small sample about 2mL of blood is collected from the mother. This is to perform two biochemical tests on hormones released by the body during pregnancy on a biochemistry analyser. These are namely PAPP–A Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein–A and free HCG human chorionic gonadotropin hormone.

People with an increased level of these hormones may be at an increased risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. The concentrations measured for each of these hormones is compared to the national average for these tests.