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Nuchal SonoLucency (NSL) |
NSL stands for Nuchal SonoLucency. This prenatal screening test (also called the nuchal fold scan) uses ultrasound to measure the clear ("translucent") space in the tissue at the back of your developing baby's neck. That measurement can help assess your baby's risk for Down syndrome (DS) and other chromosomal abnormalities as well as major congenital heart problems.
Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger. While the Nuchal SonoLucency screening test won't give you the definite diagnosis you'd get from more invasive tests like CVS and amniocentesis, it can help you decide whether you want to undergo diagnostic testing. And unlike diagnostic tests, it's painless and involves no risk to you or your baby.
The Nuchal SonoLucency screening must be done when you're between 11 and 14 weeks pregnant. (The last day you can have it done is the day you turn 13 weeks and 6 days pregnant.)
The sonographer first confirms your baby's gestational age by measuring your baby from crown to rump to see if he's about the size he should be for his age. The sonographer positions the sensor, called the transducer, over your abdomen so that your baby's nuchal fold area shows up on the monitor, and measures the thickness of it on the screen with calipers. Measurement of two pregnancy hormnes is performed, and these three values are used to calculate your baby's risk of Down syndrome and trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 is like Down syndrome, but in most cases is a lethal condition.
NSL testing should be performed only by certified sonography specialists. Dr. Daum's sonography technician (Vicki) is certified in NSL measurements. Call us and schedule an appointment for your screening evaluation. |
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