Nucal fold Scan - how accurate an idicator are they for Downs Syndrome?

Question

Sorry NUCHAL fold scan.

Answer 1

This is only a screening test, not a diagnostic test. So what it will do is give you more information about the LIKELIHOOD (or not) of your baby having Downs. Using the NT measurement along with your age and the age of the fetus, a risk figure is given to you about the chances your baby may have Downs. It will not say absolutely for sure either way.

Used alone, the NT ultrasound will pick up about 75% of Down Syndrome pregnancies. When used in conjunction with the protein blood test over 90% of cases are picked up.

HOWEVER you have to remember this is not a diagnostic test. If the test shows an elevated risk it does not mean your baby definitely has Downs, although this is a possibility and despite what people will tell you lots of women DO NOT return "false positives". Likewise, if the test shows a normal result it does not definitely mean your baby is okay. What this test does is play the odds.

Overall, because it is a non invasive test and poses no risk to the fetus (unlike CVS or amnio) it is a useful test, and can establish whether more invasive testing might be warranted.

The aim of the test is not to say for sure whether your baby has a problem, the aim is to identify whether your baby has an increased RISK of having a genetic problem.

Answer 2

pretty accurate....i would say about 95% accurate and its worth going for. They use the Nuchal fold scan together with your age and other factors to determine the possiblity of downs so they dont use the scan on its own.

Answer 3

When I had my screening, the fold was measuring at an "indicator" size. My bloodwork also came backwith higher probabilities. I stressed horribly, to the point where I could barely function. I ended up having an amnio so I could know for usure and prepare emotionally. My baby is fine. The amnio came back negative for downs.
My point is, the only for sure indicator of downs is an amnio. The measurements taken at the us only give "chances". If your bloodwork and fold scan are worrisome, your doctor should provide a genetic counselor to help you determine if an amnio is necessary.
Good luck to you, and don't stress.

Answer 4

I had mine done in Greece but I think the procedure is the same, I just had a result that gave me an indication if I was high or low risk for downs, it's not accurate like an amnio or CVS. I was advised that if the Nuchal Translucency came back a high risk, to go for an amnio.

Answer 5

only some what accurate the way they decet the downs from the scan is by measuring the nasal bone and the fluid around the baby, if they think you are at more risk of baby having downs then you will be refered for further testing, the test is where they take a sample of the fluid around the baby and test the chromozones, the nucal fold scan isn't always accurate it only gives an indication

Answer 6

A Nucal Fold Scan is 97% accurate - the sonographer, the doctor AND my midwife told me that....

Answer 7

I think it is pretty accurate, although false positives are more likely than false negtives. Where I go, they do the scan along with a blood test so I feel confident in the results.

Answer 8

It's used in conjunction with other measurements to determine probability figures - this article may help explain:
http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/xdown.html

Answer 9

If its the same as the quad scan (ultrasound) where they check for DS, spina bifida and other defects, its almost ALWAYS a false positive.