Is it unnecessary to have the Down syndrome screening after having the NT scan?

Feb 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

"唐筛" is the abbreviation for prenatal screening for Down syndrome, which can help avoid the risk of fetal trisomy 21 to some extent, and detect the possibility of fetal chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome at an early stage. NT examination mainly focuses on the thickness of the fetal nuchal translucency in early pregnancy, while Down syndrome screening focuses on the comprehensive assessment of fetal risk through biochemical blood indicators and maternal information in the second trimester.

Generally, it is still recommended to undergo Down syndrome screening after having an NT scan.

The NT measurement is an effective early indicator for screening Down syndrome, as it is associated with fetal chromosomal abnormalities or heart defects. However, NT scanning is not 100% accurate and may result in false positives or false negatives.

Down syndrome screening, short for prenatal Down syndrome screening, can help reduce the risk of fetal congenital mental retardation to some extent and allows for early detection of possible chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome in the fetus.

NT scanning mainly assesses the thickness of the fetal nuchal translucency during early pregnancy, while Down syndrome screening focuses on a comprehensive assessment of fetal risk during mid-pregnancy using biochemical blood markers and maternal information.

Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, follow a balanced diet, engage in moderate exercise, undergo regular prenatal checkups, and adhere to professional medical advice in order to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

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What medical tests are required during pregnancy?

Under normal circumstances, prenatal examinations should be carried out progressively according to gestational age. Core tests mainly include routine blood tests, ultrasound examinations, Down syndrome screening, gestational diabetes screening, and fetal heart rate monitoring. During the examination period, it is important to truthfully inform the doctor about your own health status, while maintaining a regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "routine" or "daily schedule") and balanced diet to provide favorable conditions for the healthy development of the fetus.

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What medical examinations are included during pregnancy?

Under normal circumstances, the main medical tests during pregnancy include routine blood tests, ultrasound examinations, Down syndrome screening, glucose tolerance tests, and thyroid function tests. If abnormalities are detected during these tests, it is recommended to follow medical advice promptly for further evaluation or intervention. In addition, routine urine tests, liver and kidney function tests, and fetal heart rate monitoring are also required during pregnancy.

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What to do if the Down syndrome screening result is high risk

For a high-risk result from Down syndrome screening, further diagnostic tests are generally required to confirm the diagnosis, including consultation with a specialist to understand the situation and maintaining emotional stability to avoid anxiety. Options such as amniocentesis or non-invasive DNA testing may be chosen. These tests can more accurately determine whether the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities, providing a basis for subsequent decision-making and preventing unnecessary actions based solely on the high-risk screening result.