First Trimester Screening
NT Scan in Pune - First Trimester Screening
This includes evaluation of the fetus done at 11 – 13+6 weeks of the pregnancy done by performing an ultrasound scan & a blood test.
Advanced First Trimester Scan (AFTS) (also called as NT scan): A highly specialised scan performed between 11-13+6 weeks (preferably after 12 weeks) for accurately dating the pregnancy, assessment for abnormalities in the baby & screening for chromosomal abnormalities and pre-eclampsia. A detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy is performed at the time of NT scan itself as almost 50% of fetal abnormalities are amenable to detection at this time. Also, this is the best time to screen for pre-eclampsia which is done by uterine artery Doppler assessment which forms an integral part of this scan. Hence, we now call it an ‘Advanced First Trimester Scan (AFTS)’.So, it’s pretty evident that to perform a NT scan in such detail is a timely affair & requires lot of skill and dedication. It is recommended that NT scan is performed by FMF certified operator, preferably a Fetal Medicine consultant.
Dual marker test (βhCG + PAPP-A):This blood test is performed by selected labs highly specialised in antenatal screening & that are accredited by UKNQUAS for using high quality accredited software for risk assessment.
Extended First Trimester Screening or EFTS (Maternal factors + Uterine artery Doppler + Dual marker test + PlGF):First trimester is the best time to screen for pre-eclampsia & to intervene. EFTS is shown to have a detection rate of as high as 90% for pre-eclampsia.
