I had NIPT, should I also have a Nuchal translucency (NT) scan?
Yes. NIPT or non-invasive prenatal testing is a blood test. This test was developed as a screening test mainly for Down Syndrome. A screening test is one in which you can only assess risks, meaning that you can not diagnose only with that test. Since NIPT is a blood test for a specific disorder, it does not provide a comprehensive evaluation of your baby. A comprehensive test should include not only blood work but an Ultrasound to assess your baby’s anatomy. The NT scan is an excellent early comprehensive evaluation of your baby’s anatomy performed by a specialist in the first trimester. The majority of birth defects can be identified early in pregnancy before the end of the first trimester. In addition, the blood work that is part of the First trimester screening will provide very important information about the possibility of developing certain complications of pregnancy such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure specific to pregnancy), premature birth, poor fetal growth, and placental insufficiency.
For women under the age of 35 – the First trimester ultrasound and blood work will provide a comprehensive evaluation. The NIPT is optional.
For women over the age of 35 – The First trimester ultrasound and blood work along with NIPT provides the most comprehensive early fetal evaluation.