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Why Are NT Scan And Double Marker Test Suggested During Pregnancy?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Sep 2017
Question: My wife is in her 12th week of Pregnancy and her doctor suggested NT Scan and Double Marker Test. Please let me know what are these tests for and what would be possible outcome of tests and necessary actions suggested by doctor based on test results. Is Double Marker Test an alternative for Quadruple Test
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Answered by Dr. Sheetal Agarwal (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
HELLO USER

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

NT scan is nuchal translucency scan to detect abnormalities in baby.Down syndrome is a common genetic abnormality.NT scan is a screening test to detect genetic abnormalities like down syndrome.NT scan is performed between 11 to 13 weeks pregnancy.It will access the fluid collected behind the neck.If the NT size increases,the chances of chromosomal abnormalities increases.

Double Marker test is a screening blood test in pregnancy which is done with NT scan.The result of both the test are combined and given a combined result as screen positive or negative.

Quadraple test is also a blood test done between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to detect abnormalities like down syndrome,neural tube defects etc.

Thanks.You can ask if any further query.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Sheetal Agarwal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 1004 Questions

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Why Are NT Scan And Double Marker Test Suggested During Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: HELLO USER Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX NT scan is nuchal translucency scan to detect abnormalities in baby.Down syndrome is a common genetic abnormality.NT scan is a screening test to detect genetic abnormalities like down syndrome.NT scan is performed between 11 to 13 weeks pregnancy.It will access the fluid collected behind the neck.If the NT size increases,the chances of chromosomal abnormalities increases. Double Marker test is a screening blood test in pregnancy which is done with NT scan.The result of both the test are combined and given a combined result as screen positive or negative. Quadraple test is also a blood test done between 15 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to detect abnormalities like down syndrome,neural tube defects etc. Thanks.You can ask if any further query.