Nuchal Translucency Screening
The Nuchal Translucency Screening test can determine your baby's risk of having major congenital heart problems, Down syndrome or other chromosomal abnormalities. Our testing center was the first in Northern Virginia to perform the screening and our physicians and sonographers are Nuchal Translucency credentialed. Our physicians and sonographers are Nuchal Translucency credentialed by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Foundation.
We provide same-day results with your ultrasound, provided that you have your blood drawn a week in advance. For your convenience, patients between their 10th and 11th week of pregnancy can have their blood drawn at our center.
Cell-Free DNA Screening
The Cell-Free Fetal DNA Screening tests the baby’s DNA that is in your blood. It checks for certain abnormal chromosomes. It can also check for defects in the fetal sex chromosomes (X and Y). Cell-free fetal DNA screening does not find structural birth defects, such as spina bifida or defects in the abdominal wall. This test can be completed between 10–35 weeks gestation and is able to identify your baby’s gender.
If first trimester screening is abnormal, you may need more testing for diagnosis. This may include chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, or another ultrasound.