It is really a personal thing weather or not to have the nuchal translucency test. I know little about billing but in my experience people receive a percentage of the cost back. Your doctor will be aware of billing codes etc so you just need to mention this.

Now the nuchal translucency test is a combined u/s and blood test. The blood test is for free bhcg and PappA. Then you will have an u/s. The u/s measures the nuchal fold at the back of your babies neck. After 13 weeks and 5 days the nuchal fold measurement cannot be accurately measured. So, the test has to be done before then and after 11 weeks and 5 days (times approx and will depend on the practice)

Many women will have the nt test regardless if they would have further testing. It is a very personal thing. For some women the need to know is very important for others it is not.

This is a screening test NOT a diagnostic test. So you will be given a ratio - of say 1:500 so if this was your result for every 500 women with the same result 1 will have a baby with chromosomal issues.

This test does not only screen for downs syndrome or trisomy 21. Most chromosomal issues present similarly on u/s at this gestation. Contrary to popular belief chromosomal disorders do not happen just to older mothers they can occur in babies of younger mothers also.

There are also so called "soft markers" that show on u/s. Many babies with chromosomal issues especially trisomy 21 and 15 do not have a nasal bone - this can be examined during nt u/s. The kidneys are often affected as is the heart and sometimes cysts on the brain.

I would recommend all women go to a fetal medicine unit to have their nt u/s. Here a fetal medicine obstetrician will review your u/s most often whils you are there. You will leave on the day with your result. Usually you will have the blood test a day or two prior to u/s.



HTH