Nuchal Scan - Combined Test
11 weeks + 3 days - 13 weeks + 6 days
£300 with Miss Bamfo
The nuchal translucency scan aims to measure the area of fluid behind the fetal neck. When combined with biochemical markers in maternal blood, this provides information to assess the chance of the baby having Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13).
The age of the woman is also used in the calculation.
The biochemical markers measured are:
Free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (bhCG) Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A)
The eligibility criteria for the combined test is when the CRL is between 45 mm and 84 mm.
The length of the fetus or crown rump length (CRL) is also used in the combined calculation of the chance.
The combined test is only available for singleton and twin pregnancies.
For twin pregnancies, where there is second pregnancy sac containing a non-viable fetus the combined test cannot be done.
40 minute appointment
Printed report
4 black and white prints
1 glossy photo
Gift bag
GP referral not required
The nuchal scan at The Aster Clinic is available if:
It has not been possible to measure the nuchal scan at your NHS dating scan appointment
You wish for additional information about the fetal wellbeing
Questions about the Nuchal Scan and Combined Test explained
The NHS does provide the nuchal scan - This is done at the dating scan and combined with maternal biochemistry. However, sometimes, when it is not possible to measure the nuchal translucency, it is worth attempting to get this done at a private clinic.
Yes, It can be done if you are having monochorionic or diamniotic twins. But not for more than two fetuses.
From 11 weeks + 3 days to 13 weeks + 6 days.
The combined test - the nuchal translucency and the blood test for b-HCG and PAPP-A - is a screening test and not a diagnostic test. More ore information and help in deciding if this is right for you is available - please see link.
The current NHS FASP defines:
A lower chance result is ≤ 1 in 151.
A higher chance result is ≥ 1 in 150 (between 1 in 2 and 1 in 150). A woman with a higher chance result is offered a prenatal diagnostic test, such as CVS or amniocentesis.
Please ensure that you have discussed this test with your midwife/NHS doctor before booking the appointment. You can also read more information at the NHS FASP information page.
Another option is to have this test with the Harmony Non-Invasive Prenatal Test. Please see more information about the Harmony NIPT Test.
It is really important to give the report to your midwife/obstetrician so that they can put all the information about your pregnancy and fetus together and plan any further management.