nuchal translucency ultrasound scan for Down's Syndrome

I have heard about this non-invasive test for Down's Syndrome. I want to do this test instead of the amniocentesis, since it only involves taking an ultrasound.

Has anyone had this done in Hong Kong? and if so, which OB/GYN has the tools to conduct this test?

thanks, I have a first appt very soon, so I will ask about this when I go. I wasn't sure whether this was the norm, so thanks for telling me.

I did not take the test as I was told that they cannot be a 100% sure until the baby is born and there really is no treatment for it till then either. So I didn't see any point knowing unless abortion is a choice. Imaging the stress you go through if it is positive. Could not be good for your pregnancy. Just a thought.

I'm going to have this test done (probably in a couple of weeks) together with the triple-screen blood test. These two together are a pretty good diagnostic test for Down's Syndrome, but they have a pretty high false positive rate. In other words, most of the women that fall into the 'high risk' category go on to have perfectly healthy babies. So I will probably have amniocentesis as well, which is pretty much 100% accurate (especially since I'm 40 and thus higher risk to start with).

To AAP - re: whether or not to have an amnio?


I have had 2 amnios in the past 2 and a half years. The advice I was given was that I should have an amnio if I satisfied either of the following criteria.


If after having the Nuchal Translucency ultrasound scan AND the triple blood screening test, I fell into the high risk group (ie my risk of having a child with a chromosomal abnormality was 1 in 250 or worse) then I should have either an amnio or CVS.


Another obstetrician advised me that I should have an amnio, if (after having the NT and the triple test), my risk of having a child with a chromosomal abnormality was assessed as greater, than the risk of miscarriage from having the amnio procedure. BTW, the obstetricians I have been to, quote the risk of miscarriage from the amnio procedure as being 1 in 200.


Most obstetricians tend to stress that the invasive tests (like an amnio or CVS), should only be undertaken if you would not wish to continue with the pregnancy if you knew that the child had a chromosomal abnormality.


To AAP, you should discuss your concerns about your own risk factor/situation with your obstetrician.


Good luck with your decision. Hope the info I provided helps.

Dori, the nuchal scan is routine and non-invasive - they just measure the thickness of the image of your baby's neck on a screen - but is only useful at about 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.