Nuchal Translucency Scan
A precise look at your pregnancy, starting in the first trimester
The nuchal translucency ultrasound is the first detailed assessment of your pregnancy, performed between the 11th and 14th weeks.
At Miacleo, this examination is available to all pregnant women, whether or not they have undergone assisted reproduction treatment. It is performed using the HERA Z20 ultrasound system, one of the most advanced imaging devices currently available, and can be combined with the Verifi™ test, a highly accurate non-invasive prenatal blood screening test.
Because your little miracle deserves the best, from the very beginning.
What is nuchal translucency ?
Nuchal translucency is a fluid-filled space located under the skin at the back of the fetus’s neck. This space is naturally present in all fetuses during the first trimester; what varies is its thickness.
A measurement that is higher than expected may be associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, or trisomy 13, as well as certain heart defects.
The nuchal translucency ultrasound is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Its purpose is to provide you with the most reliable information possible so you can make informed decisions with your physician.
Who is this screening for?
For all pregnant women, without exception.
The nuchal translucency ultrasound is recommended for all pregnant women, regardless of age, risk profile, or medical history. It is not only intended for women aged 35 and older or those with a family history of chromosomal abnormalities.
It is a universal screening examination and a valuable source of information for every pregnancy.
The HERA Z20 ultrasound system
Unmatched precision
The quality of a nuchal translucency measurement largely depends on the resolution of the equipment used. A clear, precise, properly positioned image can make the difference between a reliable measurement and an approximate one.
At Miacleo, nuchal translucency ultrasounds are performed using the HERA Z20 ultrasound system, a next-generation medical imaging device recognized for its exceptional image quality, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology.
Its resolution allows for detailed visualization of fetal structures as early as the first trimester, including the nuchal area, nasal bone, basic anatomy, and cardiac activity. This level of detail not only improves measurement accuracy but also enhances your experience, because seeing your baby clearly for the first time is a moment you deserve to fully enjoy.
Verifi™ Test
High-precision non-invasive prenatal screening
The nuchal translucency ultrasound can be combined with the Verifi™ test, a non-invasive prenatal screening test (NIPT) performed through a simple maternal blood draw. This combination is currently one of the most comprehensive and reliable first-trimester prenatal screening approaches available.
How does the Verifi™ test work?
During pregnancy, the placenta releases small fragments of fetal DNA into the mother’s bloodstream. The Verifi™ test analyzes these fragments to assess the risk that the fetus may have chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomies 21, 18, and 13.
It is a non-invasive screening test with no risk to the pregnancy and offers a significantly higher level of accuracy compared with conventional biochemical screening tests.
What the Verifi™ test evaluates
The test assesses the risk of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). Depending on the options selected, it can also provide information about the biological sex of the fetus, with a high level of accuracy.
What to expect during a nuchal translucency ultrasound
The ideal window: between the 11th and 14th week
The nuchal translucency ultrasound must be performed within a specific window: between 11 weeks and 0 days and 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Before 11 weeks, the fetus is still too small to obtain a reliable measurement. After 14 weeks, the nuchal region changes rapidly and comparison with reference charts becomes less precise. It is therefore important to schedule your appointment within this timeframe.
The ultrasound
The examination is performed abdominally in the vast majority of cases. You will be comfortably positioned, and the examination generally lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
The physician takes several precise measurements: the thickness of the nuchal translucency, the crown-rump length, and, when possible, the presence of the nasal bone, an additional marker that improves the accuracy of the screening.
The physician also checks cardiac activity, the number of fetuses, and performs an initial overview of the basic fetal anatomy.
The blood test (if the Verifi™ test is required)
If you wish to combine the ultrasound with the Verifi™ test, a blood draw will be performed during the same appointment or shortly beforehand.
The Verifi™ test results are generally available within a few business days and are sent to your treating physician.
The results
At the end of the ultrasound, a report is provided to you. A copy is sent to your treating physician or obstetrician. If the results raise any questions or require further discussion, your physician will take the time to review them with you.
The Miacleo difference
An environment designed for you
At Miacleo, the nuchal translucency ultrasound is designed as a moment of care, performed in a calm, respectful, and compassionate environment by a team that understands what this pregnancy means to you.
We know that every pregnancy has its own story.
Ours is to support you with the care it deserves.
Q: Do I need to be followed at Miacleo to access this screening?
A: No. The nuchal translucency ultrasound is available to all pregnant women, whether or not they are patients at Miacleo. You do not need to have undergone a fertility treatment journey.
Q: Do I need a medical referral?
A: No referral is required to schedule an appointment. You can contact us directly.
Q: Is the Verifi™ test covered by RAMQ?
A: The Verifi™ test is performed as a preventive screening test and is not covered by RAMQ. Applicable fees are available on our pricing page.