Our services
CFTS Nuchal Translucency Scan
At The Women’s Imaging Centre, we know how special your pregnancy is and we’re honoured to provide vital insights throughout your pregnancy.
Our Combined First Trimester Screen (CFTS) is a test for a chromosomal abnormality performed between 11–13 weeks of pregnancy. The nuchal translucency ultrasound scan is carried out in conjunction with a maternal blood test, performed between 11–13 weeks of pregnancy.
Using advanced, low-intensity ultrasound technology, our skilled sonographers create a safe and caring environment to capture clear, high-resolution images.
What is a CFTS Nuchal Translucency Scan?
The Combined First Trimester Screen (CFTS) is a test for a chromosomal abnormality performed between 12 weeks 3 days and 13 weeks 3 days of pregnancy. The nuchal translucency ultrasound scan is carried out in conjunction with a maternal blood test.
The CFTS correlates these findings with a likelihood risk to determine if you are at high risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality, such as Downs Syndrome. The CFTS does not directly diagnose an abnormality, but predicts the likelihood of this type of abnormality being present.
A pathology provider will perform the blood test, and it needs to be done prior to your nuchal translucency ultrasound, at around 10 weeks gestational age. Please inform pathology staff that you are having a nuchal translucency ultrasound at The Women’s Imaging Centre. The pathology lab will forward your results so these are available at the time of your scan.
Why is CFTS Nuchal Transluceny done?
All women regardless of age have a small risk of giving birth to a baby with a chromosomal abnormality. The FTS test assesses whether your risk is less than, equal to, or greater than the average risk for your age.
By having the blood test in combination with the nuchal translucency scan (‘combined risk’), approximately 85–90% of babies who have chromosomal abnormalities will be detected.
The maternal blood test measures two chemicals (PAPP-A and free ß hCG). These chemicals are produced by the placenta and cross into your bloodstream, and in Downs Syndrome pregnancies the levels of these chemicals in your bloodstream can be abnormal.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
- You will be asked to attend with a comfortably full bladder. Please empty your bladder 1 hours before your appointment, then drink 500mls of fluid, finishing 30 mins before your appointment time.
- Wear a two-piece outfit for comfort and convenience.
- Please bring your referral, Medicare card, and any previous imaging if applicable.
- Let our staff know if you’re having twins or have a high-risk pregnancy so extra time can be allocated.
- Our sonographers take every care to make you comfortable and answer your questions throughout.
On the day
- You’ll lie on a padded examination bed while the sonographer applies a small amount of warm gel to your abdomen.
- A handheld probe (transducer) is moved gently across your skin to capture live images.
- You’ll be able to view your baby on the screen during the scan. Many parents find this a wonderful bonding moment.
- Occasionally, if more detailed imaging if required, a transvaginal ultrasound may be recommended; this is safe and will be explained beforehand.
- Most scans take 20–60 minutes.
After your appointment
- You can return to normal activities immediately.
- Your images and a detailed report are reviewed by a specialist radiologist and sent directly to your referring doctor or midwife.
- If anything requires follow-up, your healthcare provider will discuss this with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ultrasound has been used in pregnancy for decades and has no known risks to mother or baby.
Yes, in most cases a partner or family member may attend. Please check at the time of booking.
The morphology scan (around 20 weeks) can usually reveal the baby’s sex if desired.
Yes. A valid referral from your GP, specialist, or midwife is required for Medicare rebate eligibility.
Safety & Comfort
Obstetric ultrasound is completely safe — it uses sound waves, not radiation.
All scans are performed by accredited sonographers trained in obstetric imaging.
Our team strives to create a calm and positive experience for every expectant parent.
Partner attendance is welcome, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your support person.
For your comfort, we recommend that babies and young children do not attend your appointment, as obstetric ultrasound scans can take up to 60 minutes or longer to complete.
Enjoy peace of mind
At The Women’s Imaging Centre you’ll experience gentle, expert obstetric care performed by our leading sonographers and radiologists.