Perth Radiological Clinic | Nuchal Translucency Test

The Nuchal Translucency Test offers several advantages over the triple test.

The Nuchal Translucency Test is done earlier, at 12 weeks gestation, rather than the Triple Test which is done at 16 weeks gestation. To the patient, this means earlier knowledge that a fetal abnormality is unlikely.
The Nuchal Translucency Test is far more accurate than the Triple Test. It detects approximately 90% of Down's pregnancies as opposed to 65-70% with the older Triple Test.

The Nuchal Translucency is the thickness of the soft tissues at the nape of the neck. This is measured during an ultrasound examination and, together with a blood test, is used to assess the risk of a fetus having Down Syndrome.

No. This examination is very safe. Ultrasound waves are used which are safe for both mother and fetus. They have been used for many years in obstetric examinations.

No. The Nuchal Translucency Test is a non-interventional examination performed using ultrasound, and presents no risk to mother or fetus. X-rays are not utilised in this examination.

The preparation is very simple and straightforward. You are required to drink 1 (one) litre of water between 90 and 60 minutes before the examination commences. This is done to fill your bladder, which will allow optimum visualisation of the fetus.

There are two parts involved in a Nuchal Translucency Test:

An ultrasound examination which we perform at Perth Radiological Clinic between 11 weeks 3 days and 13 weeks 6 days (preferably 12 weeks) gestation. During the ultrasound examination the Nuchal Translucency is measured. This will take approximately 30 minutes.
A blood test. Perth Radiological Clinic does not organise for the blood samples to be taken for this test. This should be organised by your referring doctor. Please ensure your doctor gives you a pathology request form for this particular blood test and notes on this form where you will be having your ultrasound. This blood test can be performed as early as 8 weeks gestation, however this will vary depending on the pathology company your doctor has sent you to.

The blood sample results are forwarded from the Pathology laboratory to Perth Radiological Clinic, and together with the results from the Ultrasound examination are then processed in our computer which has a specific state-of-the-art diagnostic programme for fetal risk assessment. The results are then forwarded to your referring Doctor. The results are not available from Perth Radiological Clinic.
A further ultrasound may be performed at 19 weeks to examine the baby's anatomy in more detail.

Contact your nearest Perth Radiological Clinic, all the sites with contact numbers are shown on the back of this brochure.
Advise the reception staff that you require an ultrasound examination with a Nuchal Translucency Test.
You will be booked in when you are between 11 weeks 3 days and 13 weeks 6 days pregnant.
Please bring your blood test results with you if you have them. This will have been performed prior to your ultrasound.
If you are unable to attend an appointment please advise Perth Radiological Clinic as soon as possible.

Medicare does not cover the cost of a Nuchal Translucency examination on its own. However, if it is done in conjunction with an ultrasound for another reason, for example 'risk of fetal abnormality', some of the cost of the total examination may be rebated. This will vary according to individual cases.

If you require further, more precise information on this, please discuss it with the reception staff when you arrange your appointment at Perth Radiological Clinic.

Perth Radiological Clinic has received its accreditation from the Fetal Medicine Foundation (UK), which means we are able to perform the Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound examination at any of our ten major locations. This examination should only be performed by an accredited Ultrasonographer or Doctor to ensure the most accurate results.

Please note: Due to the high demand for these tests, a fee may be charged for appointments that are cancelled within 24 hours prior to the booking.

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