A nuchal scan or nuchal translucency (NT) scan / procedure is a sonographic prenatal screening scan (ultrasound) to detect chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus, though altered extracellular matrix composition and limited lymphatic drainage can also be detected. Nuchal (“NEW-kuhl”) translucency (NT) is a type of prenatal ultrasound that measures the amount of fluid behind the fetus’s neck in the first trimester of pregnancy. The fluid underneath the skin along the back of the fetus’s neck, called the nuchal translucency, or nuchal fold.
In some pregnancies, when the fetus has Down syndrome, trisomy 13 or trisomy 18, there is extra fluid behind the neck. The term “nuchal” is a medical and anatomical descriptor used to identify structures or conditions associated with a specific area of the body. It allows healthcare professionals to pinpoint the region of the neck without ambiguity. This leaflet is to help you understand what Nuchal Translucency (NT) is, what tests you need, and the implication of being diagnosed for you, your baby, and your family.
nuchal screen, Wondering what a nuchal translucency ultrasound is? Find out from experts what happens during this prenatal test, how to schedule an appointment and how to understand your results. The NT scan measures the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of your baby's neck. (This is the "nuchal translucency.") Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average.
