The nuchal translucency (NT) is a measurement of fluid at the back of the fetal neck. The NT measurement is part of the combined screening test for chromosomal differences, and can also be helpful to predict other structural differences that might be more obvious later in pregnancy. At the time of the NT ultrasound, the sonographer or physician who does the scan can also accurately predict your due date, determine how many babies you are carrying and examine the early basic structural development of the fetus.

How to get a NT ultrasound

If you choose to have NT ultrasound, your health care provider will arrange it for when you are between 11 and 14 weeks pregnant. Your health care provider will schedule your NT ultrasound at a hospital or a clinic with a certified NT sonographer or physician.

Facilities that offer NT ultrasound

See our interactive map to find facilities offering NT ultrasound in Ontario. Click to zoom in on your area of interest to locate a NT ultrasound facility near you. 

DISCLAIMER: 

This map is merely a tool to assist providers and the public in locating NT ultrasound services in Ontario. The following caveats apply:

• Inclusion of any facility on this map does NOT imply PSO endorsement or assurance of the quality of services provided. This map is to be used for informational purposes only. PSO cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. This information should not supersede advice from a qualified medical professional. 
• This map is updated once a year by PSO and may not be an exhaustive list of all facilities that offer NT ultrasound in the province. 
• It is recommended that you contact the facility of interest prior to scheduling a NT ultrasound to confirm that the facility's status is up-to-date and that they are currently able to offer NT ultrasound services. 
• As you zoom into the map, you will see the name and street address of each facility. If you click on the name of each facility, you will be linked to a webpage with more information. 

Please contact pso@bornontario.ca if you are a facility offering NT ultrasound and would like to be included, or removed, from this map. 

If you don't have access to NT ultrasound

If you do not have access to a hospital or a clinic with a certified NT sonographer or physician, your health care provider can give you information on other prenatal screening options, or provide you with choices on the closest location to obtain this scan.

At your NT appointment

If you choose to have NT ultrasound, the sonographer or physician who does the scan will record your NT measurement on the enhanced first trimester screening (eFTS) requisition. This measurement, along with bloodwork and additional clinical information, will be sent to one of the Ontario Multiple Marker Screening (MMS) labs. The lab will use this information to calculate the chances that your pregnancy is affected with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) or trisomy 18.

Increased NT

If your NT measurement is increased, (ie greater than 3.5 mm) you should be offered an appointment for genetic counselling to discuss your options for further testing.