NT Ultrasound

NT Ultrasound

This examination is extremely important and equally time-sensitive.
At Downtown Radiology, we appreciate your concern about this procedure and strive to accommodate this examination at the time requested by your referring specialist, family physican or midwife.


What is nuchal translucency or NT Ultrasound?

Nuchal translucency is a collection of fluid under the skin at the back of your baby’s neck. It can be measured using ultrasound:
between 11 weeks and 13 weeks +6 days of pregnancy
or when your baby measures between 45mm (1.8in) and 84mm (3.3in)
All babies have some fluid at the back of their neck.
But many babies with Down’s syndrome have an increased amount.


Why might I have a nuchal scan?

All pregnant women are offered a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, to assess whether or not their babies are likely to have Down’s syndrome.
In order for your examination to be covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • You are at 11 – 13+6 weeks (best at 12 – 13+3 weeks) gestation at time of the NT ultrasound AND at least have one of the following:
    1. 35 years of age or older at her expected date of delivery
    2. Multiple gestations
    3. History of a previous child or fetus with Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18 or Trisomy 13
    4. HIV positive
    5. Pregnant following in vitro fertilization (VF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)


Your Obstetrician, family physician or Midwife must:

  • Submit NT Requisition to our office via fax
  • Send previous prenatal ultrasounds for current pregnancy to our site. (We must perform a dating ultrasound scan prior to NT scan if previous dating ultrasound scan has not been done for this pregnancy).
  • Make arrangements for blood work (part 1- blood test at 9 – 13+6 week best at 10-11+6 weeks) & part 2 – blood test at 15 – 20+6 weeks (best at 15+2 – 16+6 weeks).
If you do not meet the above criteria but still would like to have this examination done, you will have to cover the ultrasound scan and blood work fees.


How to Prepare for an NT Ultrasound Exam:

  • Drink 2 LARGE GLASSES (24 oz.) of water 2 HOURS prior to your examination.
  • A full bladder is required. Do not void.


Make an appointment:
Phone: (604) 688-9428
Fax: (604) 688-5123
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