Nuchal translucency test


A measurement of the size of the translucent space behind the neck of the fetus using ultrasound at between 10 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, reflecting the amount of fluid that has accumulated under the skin of the fetus. Nuchal translucency tends to be increased in chromosome disorders such as Turner syndrome and Down syndrome. This is strictly a screening test. It gives no concrete answers, only statistics.

Also called the nuchal fold scan.

Read Also:

  • Nuclear family

    The family group consisting of the father, mother, and their children, as distinct from the extended family.

  • Nuclear medicine

    The branch of medicine concerned with the use of radioisotopes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of disease.

  • Nuclei, basal

    A region located at the base of the brain composed of 4 clusters of neurons, or nerve cells. This area of the brain is responsible for body movement and coordination. The groups of neurons most prominently and consistently affected in Huntington disease — the pallidum and striatum — are located in the basal nuclei. (The […]

  • Pallidum

    Part of what are called the basal ganglia of the brain which consist of the globus pallidus and the ventral pallidum. The globus pallidus itself is a pale-appearing spherical area in the brain. (Globus is a Latin word meaning a globe or sphere. Pallidus refers to its pallor relative to the surrounding brain substance.) The […]

  • Nucleic acid

    In 1869 Friedrich Miescher developed ways of isolating intact nuclei from cells and analyzing their chemical content. From the nuclei he extracted substances rich in phosphorus and nitrogen. They came to be known as “nucleic acids.” Miescher predicted that they would someday be considered as important as proteins. The substances turned out to be deoxyribonucleic […]


Disclaimer: Nuchal translucency test definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.