After the scan & the results

Getting the results

We will receive the blood results direct from the laboratory. You will then receive the full results of the Combined test at the time of the Nuchal scan.

Doctor examining ultrasound scans.

What if you book late?

We are unable to perform a Nuchal scan once you are 14 weeks. If you are unable to get the blood taken in advance, we can usually take it when you come for the scan. Unfortunately, we will then not be able to give you the combined result at the time of the scan and the blood tests are more expensive as they need to be sent to a different laboratory.

How do we interpret the test result?

The aim of the screening process is to provide you with a risk that then allows you to make an informed choice about whether to have a diagnostic test. The wish to proceed to one is a purely personal decision, but as a guide we normally consider a high risk of Down’s syndrome to be 1 in 250 or worse, and then offer an invasive test. This of course means that even with a high-risk result most women will still have a completely normal baby. We will discuss this with you.

You should be aware that increased nuchal translucency is a marker for chromosomal abnormalities other than Down’s syndrome and indeed other fetal abnormalities. Just occasionally your Nuchal scan may suggest a problem other than Down’s syndrome, in which case you will be given as much information as is available and the appropriate follow-up.

After the Nuchal scan

  1. If you have a higher risk result, we would normally make an appointment with the NHS Prenatal Diagnosis Department (PND) in Oxford to discuss it further. If you do opt for diagnostic testing, this would normally be arranged through the NHS system, although it can also be arranged privately with Mr Impey.
  2. Whatever the result, an anomaly scan will still be offered on the NHS at 20 weeks - it is recommended that you have this scan to check the structure of the baby in more detail, although this scan is less good than a Nuchal scan at detecting Down’s Syndrome.
  3. As heart abnormalities are slightly more common in babies with increased nuchal translucency, we may recommend a detailed scan of the baby’s heart at 20 weeks too. Again this will be arranged through PND.