Women's Imaging
Nuchal Translucency
What is Nuchal Translucency?
Your physician, or midwife, has referred you for an ultrasound
of your baby's nuchal translucency (NT). This area behind your
baby's neck is only apparent between 11 weeks to 13 weeks, 6 days.
A normal measurement of this area can eliminate the possibility of
some fetal abnormalities. Immediately following the ultrasound, you
will be asked to proceed to the Laboratory for a simple blood
test.
How to Prepare for this Procedure:
- Report to the Main Registration Desk 10 minutes prior to your
appointment time to be registered for your ultrasound.
- After Registration, you will check in at Radiology.
- Please bring your health insurance information and the LAB
REQUISITION form provided by your physician or midwife. WE CANNOT
PERFORM THE TEST WITHOUT THIS INFORMATION.
- You do not need to fill your bladder.
What to Expect During the Procedure:
- The study is performed by an ultrasound technologist, certified
in nuchal translucency screening.
- The study is done by placing an ultrasound probe on your skin
to view the baby.
- Sometimes, it is necessary to perform the scan transvaginally,
for better images of your baby.
- There is no risk to you or your baby, and there should be no
discomfort. If you have any discomfort, please tell the ultrasound
technologist immediately.
- The ultrasound technologist will measure your baby from the top
of the head to the bottom of the spine, and the width of the nuchal
translucency. The ultrasound technologist will record these
measurements on your REQUISITION form that your physician or
midwife will provide to you. This requisition form needs to be
brought to the Laboratory, following your scan.
- A radiologist trained in nuchal translucency screenings will
review the images and the study with you.
Testing Time
- This ultrasound scan takes approximately 30 minutes or
less.
Risks of the Procedure
- There are no known risks for this scan.
Following the Procedure
- Proceed to the Laboratory for blood work immediately after your
ultrasound scan. Please bring your REQUISITION form with you.
Results of this Procedure
- Your physician or midwife will discuss the results at your next
appointment.
To schedule and/or reschedule an appointment, please call
Beverly Hospital Radiology at 978-922-3000 ext. 2397. For all other
questions, please contact your physician or midwife.
