Since the incorporation of the Nuchal Translucency (NT) measurement into the prenatal screening process, sonographers have played a significant role in providing excellent quality risk assessment for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and trisomy 18.

Both international and national professional bodies recommend that sonographers participate in a formal NT Quality Assurance (NTQA) program if taking NT measurements. Without participation in such a program, measurement and screening quality deteriorates over time.

The NTQA program in Ontario defines the requirements for obtaining and maintaining NT registration in Ontario and provides the tools for supporting sonographers performing NT measurements for Multiple Marker Screening.

Ontario NTQA 2023-2024 Updates:

  • Staffing: Susan Burnett-Roy was hired as a full time Clinical Content Specialist Ultrasound. Susan has been a sonographer for more than 30 years in hospital, clinical and educational environments.
  • Supporting Sonographers: New instructions and resources were added to the “For Sonographers” section of the Prenatal Screening Ontario (PSO) website
  • Supporting Pregnant Individuals: 25+ facilities were added to the interactive NT map on the PSO website

Quick Stats

  • 1400+ sonographers are registered in the NTQA program
  • 150+ sonographers attended NT Refresher webinars
  • Twice as many sonographers logged into the BORN Information System in 2023 compared to 2022

Did you Know...

Did you know that sonographers can learn about their personal scanning habits by reviewing their individual NT performance distribution or “curve”? BORN Ontario collects NT and and Crown-Rump Length (CRL) data as recorded on pregnant individuals' Multiple Marker Screening (MMS) requisitions and correlates this data with an individual unique Ontario NT ID number. The curve is then compared to the standard Fetal Medicine Foundation curve.

An annual curve review enables the NTQA program to provide sonographers with feedback and mentorship. The NTQA program is the only initiative in Canada that uses data analysis and audits to support NT sonographers. In 2023-2024, there was an approximate 3% increase in the number of sonographers maintaining consistent scanning practices compared to the previous period.