Private Nuchal Ultrasound Screening between 11wks + 2d and 13wks + 6d

A nuchal scan is a combined screening test (Ultrasound scan and blood test) to assess the risks of Down's Syndrome and two other chromosomal abnormalities, Edward’s, and Patau's Syndrome.

MUMS Consultants perform Nuchal Scans.  The cost of the Nuchal Scan and blood test is £210.00.

Our Consultants are Mr Anoop Rehal, Consultant in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Mr Davide Casagrandi, Speciality Doctor in Obstetrics. Both are highly qualified specialists with the NHS and experienced in Nuchal Screening.

We recommend you have the Nuchal blood test two or three days prior to the Nuchal scan so that the Consultant can use the result in combination with the scan to calculate the risk at the time of the scan. However – if you prefer to have the scan and blood on the same day as – we will contact you once the blood results are reported.

This screening test combines an ultrasound scan and a blood test which is taken from the mother to measure the levels of two hormones that are being released directly by the pregnancy (free B-hCG and PAPP-A). The blood test can be taken from 11 weeks of pregnancy and when taken prior to the scan appointment ensures complete results are given on the day of the scan. If the blood test is taken on the day of the scan the result will be available within two to three days.

Most NHS hospitals offer a nuchal scan, but the NHS scan does not look for all the markers that MUMS Nuchal scan checks for. The NHS do not routinley look for the presence of a nasal bone or assess the blood flow studies. Therefore, our detection rate is much higher than the NHS, as we are looking at the baby in more detail. All nuchal scans performed at MUMS are undertaken by a fetal medicine specialist, who is highly skilled in Nuchal Scanning.

All women whatever their age, have a small risk of delivering a baby with Down's Syndrome, Edwards, Patau - the risk increases as the age of the mother increases.

Chromosomal abnormalities happen when an extra chromosome is present.

The nuchal scan can only be performed between 11 weeks + 2 days and 13 weeks + 6 days of pregnancy and is carried out by fetal medicine specialist.

At the time of the scan, we will measure the size of the baby to date the pregnancy accurately.

A detailed ultrasound assessment is then undertaken:

• To measure the fluid under the skin at the back of baby’s neck (nuchal translucency)
• To record the baby’s heart rate
• To assess the blood flow through the valve on the right side of baby’s heart (Tricuspid Regurgitation)
• To assess the blood flow through a vessel close to baby’s heart (Ductus Venosus)
• To assess the presence or absence of the baby’s Nasal Bone

These assessments, together with your age and the results of your blood test are combined to give you a risk factor of the pregnancy being affected by Down's Syndrome, Edwards, and Patau.

A result of between 1:2 and 1:150 is considered to be a high-risk result. A low-risk result does not exclude Down's Syndrome but does mean the chance of your baby having Down's Syndrome is very small.

As our service is clinically led by consultants – comprehensive counselling is provided and a full explanation of the risks and alternative options involving further testing – albeit non-invasive or invasive – will be offered.

The only way to know for sure whether your baby has a chromosomal abnormality or not is to have a diagnostic test.  Either chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or Amniocentesis – these tests carry a risk of miscarriage of just under 1%. Alternatively the Illumina or Panorama (NIPT) test may be your preferred option as opposed as there is no miscarriage risk.

A Private Nuchal Scan includes:

• Detailed first trimester ultrasound scan.
• Nuchal blood test (preferably done prior to attending for the scan)
• Discussion of results with the Fetal Medicine Consultant 
• Medical Report
• USB Stick with images & video/clips
• Printed Scan Images

For more information on MUMS Private Antenatal Care Services click here

We have ample parking and great reviews. You can call us on 0121 704 2669 – our friendly informative team will assist you. You can email us at administrator@mums.me.uk