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The translucency of the neck is an important test that is performed on every expectant mother. This examination is performed during the obligatory ultrasound examinations. It turns out, however, that most women do not know what the test is. So what does the nuchal translucency score show? What is it and why is it so important?
The nuchal translucency test is an important test to check the risk of genetic defects in the fetus. This test is recommended for every pregnant woman by the Polish Gynecological Society.
Neck translucency – effectiveness
Cervical translucency is a test that allows the gynecologist to evaluate the reservoir of fluid found in the nape of each fetus. Thanks to it, the doctor can, for example, diagnose with high precision various genetic defects, such as Down syndrome, which can be identified in as much as 75%.
Importantly, neck translucency is a test that is safe for both the baby and the mother. It is a completely non-invasive test.
Neck translucency – indications
The nuchal translucency test is performed during ultrasound. However, they should be performed at a specific time, i.e. between 11th and 13th week and 6th day of pregnancy. It is important because in this period the fetal parietal length (CRL) is 45-84 mm. If we want to assess the nuchal translucency sooner or later, the test may no longer be reliable.
It is also important that the examination is performed by a properly trained doctor. The quality of the ultrasound equipment used for the measurements is also important. This is important because the translucency of the neck should be made with an accuracy of up to 0,1 mm. The examination is performed during 2D ultrasound.
Neck translucency – the course of the study
The nuchal translucency is performed during an ultrasound examination performed through the woman’s abdomen. During such an examination, the gynecologist not only checks the nuchal translucency of the fetus, but also its parietal-seated length and heart rate.
Based on these parameters and the age of the expectant mother, the gynecologist is able to assess the risk of various genetic defects. If such an assessment is not possible because the physician is not properly qualified, the value of the nuchal translucency is given in mm.
Neck translucency – price
Neck translucency is a test performed both privately and as part of the NHF insurance. If we want to do the test privately, it will cost about PLN 150-300. We do not need a referral to make a nuchal translucency. In women over 35, neck translucency is refunded.
Neck translucency – evaluation of the result
The translucency of the neck allows the risk of genetic defects to be assessed. If the numerical risk assessment result is greater than 1/300 or the neck translucency is greater than 3 mm, the risk of genetic defects is considered to be increased.
However, it should be remembered that such a result does not indicate a certain disease, nor does it indicate a specific disease of the fetus. This only means an increased risk of non-compliance. Therefore, it is worth remembering that as many as 70% of children with increased nuchal translucency developed correctly.
If the translucency result is increased, an additional amniocentesis may be performed. This test is performed between weeks 15-19 of pregnancy and can confirm or rule out any abnormalities.
When the result does not confirm the fetal genetic defects, it is worthwhile to perform a cardiac echo and fetal ultrasound in the 20th week of pregnancy, because increased nuchal translucency is often associated with the development of heart defects.
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