Nuchal scan

Nuchal translucency is determined by ultrasound examination performed at 11-13.5 weeks of gestational age. This examination offers an opportunity to assess the risks for development of Down syndrome, as well as Edwards and Patau syndroms.

Detailed examination

During this examination detailed examination of fetus takes place. Also, confirmation of fetal cardiac activity, examination of fetal head, body and extremities, assessment of placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid are carried out.

Risk assessment

This study enables us to evaluate the risks associated with the development of Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, and Patau syndrome. To identify Down syndrome among pregnant women in the high-risk category, a comprehensive test known as the "Combined Test" is employed. This test incorporates the ultrasound measurement of neck fold thickness, along with assessments of beta chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels and pregnancy-associated plasma protein "PAPP-A" levels.

Highest accuracy

The "Combined Test" should be conducted between the 11th and 13.5th weeks of pregnancy. This test, factoring in the mother's age, enables us to estimate the risk of Down syndrome with a 95% accuracy level.

Conditions for conduction of the examination

• The study is conducted between the 11th and 13.5th weeks of pregnancy.
• In the majority of instances, the study is conducted through a transabdominal approach. However, in certain cases, a transvaginal method might be required for the study.

The risk for each woman is calculated on an individual basis, considering the following factors:

  • Mother's age
  • Nuchal translucency thickness
  • Presence of nasal bone
  • Fetal heart rate
  • Blood flow through the tricuspid valve of the fetal heart
  • Blood flow through the ductus venosus in the fetal liver
  • Presence or absence of various physical anomalies
  • Presence of two hormones, beta chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and an associated protein "PAPP-A," in the maternal blood

What type of additional information does the mentioned study provide us with?

  • Assessment of fetal viability

  • Determination of multifetal pregnancy.

  • Determination of gestational age

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, see the above information or contact us 

How to prepare for the examination?

Urinary bladder should be filled in order to receive better images during transabdominal examination.

If the test indicates that you are at high risk for chromosomal anomalies during pregnancy, there are invasive tests available that confirm fetal chromosomal abnormalities:Please keep in mind that invasive tests carry a small risk of miscarriage, and your healthcare provider will discuss the options and potential risks with you in detail before proceeding.

If the test reveals that you are likely to experience a high-risk pregnancy, the only definitive way to confirm fetal chromosomal abnormalities is through invasive tests.

What is the next examination?

The subsequent ultrasound examination is conducted between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy to screen for fetal malformations.