Does the Nuchal scan and the blood test and the quadruple blood test at 15 to 22 weeks screen for anything else besides Down’s?
During the scan, the sonographer will measure the head to bottom measurement of the baby (crown rump length) from which the due date can be predicted as confirmation of menstrual dates. An examination of the baby’s anatomy is always performed and a checklist of anatomy seen completed. Fetal position may not always allow everything to be seen at the earlier scans. Very low or very high levels in the biochemistry at the nuchal scan may prompt the person doing the scan to suggest followup scans for fetal growth or welfare later in the pregnancy. High AFP levels on the quadruple biochemistry from 15 weeks to 22 weeks may raise the suspicion of a spina bifida lesion, which may be helpful for the person performing the 18 to 20 week scan to look more closely for this lesion and other anomalies.
