Screening tests
Ultrasound scans
First trimester scan (also known as the nuchal translucency scan)
An ultrasound is conducted between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days. This involves measuring the thickness of a skin fold at the back of the neck to assess for chromosomal abnormalities.
Fetal anomaly scan (also known as the morphology scan)
This ultrasound is used to detect structural abnormalities with your growing baby. It is usually done at 18-20 weeks. If an abnormality is detected, then you will be referred to a specialist.
Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT also known as ‘Harmony’)
NIPT involves a blood test available from 10 weeks which tests for the risk of Down Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome, and Patau Syndrome. It can also identify the sex of the fetus. If a positive test for a chromosomal abnormality occurs, then a referral is made to specialists for further testing. This test detects foetal cells in the maternal blood.
We would like to thank Dr Ken Law [MBBS (Hons), FRANZCOG] for adding to, and reviewing this content for accuracy. Dr Law is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Brisbane, Queensland.
References:
Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council 2012, Clinical Practice Guidelines: Antenatal Care – Module 1. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra. http://www.health.gov.au/antenatal
Mater Mothers. (2017). Ultrasound scan—fetal growth scan. Retrieved from Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council 2012, Clinical Practice Guidelines: Antenatal Care – Module 1. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra. http://www.health.gov.au/antenatal
Mater Mothers. (2015). The Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine. Retrieved from http://brochures.mater.org.au/brochures/mater-mothers-hospital/the-mater-centre-for-maternal-fetal-medicine
Queensland Health. (2017). Prenatal screening and testing. Retrieved from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/423931/prenatal-brochure.pdf
Woolcock, J., & Grivell, R. (2014). Noninvasive prenatal testing. Australian Family Physician, 43(7), 432-4. Retrieved from http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=404550255592646;res=IELHEA