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Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound

The nuchal translucency ultrasound estimates the risk of your baby having Down’s syndrome. We perform this exam between 12 and 13 weeks. It requires that we take a specific measurement of the skin thickness at the back of the neck.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  • You can expect to be at the clinic between 30-60 minutes, depending on your procedure(s) and barring any unforeseen delays.
  • Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your appointment, and then drink one litre of water within the next 30 minutes. Finish drinking water one hour before your exam and do not empty your bladder.
  • Please note: Drink water slowly to prevent abdominal discomfort.
  • If you are too uncomfortable, please relieve your bladder of a small amount of urine.
  • Once the test has begun, your sonographer will advise you if you can empty your bladder further or totally. We understand that a full bladder can be uncomfortable.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
  • Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You may be asked to change into a gown for certain exams.
  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied to your stomach.
  • The sonographer will record the heartbeat and measure the length of your baby to correlate with your dates.
  • The length of your exam depends on how much your baby moves and it’s position. The nuchal measurement has very exacting criteria for the sonographer, so the test length will vary depend on your baby being in the correct position to obtain the measurement.
  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images.
  • Please advise the sonographer if you are having trouble holding your bladder at any time during the ultrasound.
  • If you need to move into a more comfortable position, please let the sonographer know.
  • Your sonographer may be concentrating on obtaining all of the necessary images, so they may show you images of your baby at the end of the exam.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under the Alberta and Saskatchewan Health Care Plans.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

 

IF YOU NEED SUPPORT

If you, or anyone that you know, has experienced pregnancy or infant loss, health organizations in both Alberta and Saskatchewan have a variety of resources that may help during this time.

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

QUESTIONS?

DURATION

30-40 minutes

LOCATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Online Appointment Request

abdomen CT

If you are interested or have any questions, send us a message.

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.

Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):

  • A cause of pain or swelling.

  • Lymph nodes or blood vessels.

  • The kidney or bladder.

  • The liver, pancreas, or spleen.

  • The small or large bowel.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.

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