Nuchal Translucency Screening for Downs Syndrome
What is a Nuchal Translucency Screen?
The Nuchal Translucency screen to evaluate for Downs Syndrome is a simple low risk test, which is the most sensitive non-invasive means available to detect Downs Syndrome. We recommend that patients have the Combined Nuchal Translucency test for improved accuracy. The test comprises two parts, a blood test and an ultrasound which are combined to give a more accurate result.
This does not diagnose the baby has having Downs Syndrome; it gives information about a high risk or low risk. If the risk is low, no further action is required. If there is a high risk then the parents are offered further tests.
More information about the testing is available on the Genetic Health Services Victoria website:
Who does the scan?
The Sonographers at Lake Imaging are fully accredited to perform the Nuchal Lucency measurements and are audited annually by the Fetal Medicine Foundation operated by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) to comply with the standards required.
What does the test involve?
The first part is a blood test taken at 10wks (or as close as possible to 10wks). Lake Imaging does not organise this for you. You will need your GP or specialist to give you a referral for the blood test which can be taken at any pathology centre and is sent on to the Genetic Health Services unit.
The Ultrasound is the second part. This needs to be performed between 11weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. We recommend 12 weeks as the optimal time. We need you to attend the appointment with a comfortably full bladder.
During this test we assess the baby's anatomy and perform 2 measurements which are sent to the Genetic Health services unit and combined with the blood results to calculate the combined risk for Downs Syndrome.
When do I get the results?
The results are forwarded to your referring Doctor who will discuss the results with you.
Is it Rebatable?
Medicare does not cover the cost of a Nuchal Translucency examination on its own as it is a screening test.
However if it is performed with a referral from your Doctor that includes relevant obstetric information that indicates a risk to the pregnancy then some of the cost may be rebatable. You will need to discuss this with your referring Doctor.