What to do if the NT inspection fails?
NT examination (nuchal translucency examination) is an important screening method in early pregnancy, mainly used to evaluate whether the fetus has chromosomal abnormalities or the risk of congenital malformations. Many expectant parents feel anxious and confused if the test results are unsatisfactory. This article will focus on hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed explanation of the possible reasons for failed NT inspections, follow-up treatment suggestions and related data references.
1. Possible reasons for failed NT inspection

Abnormal NT examination results may be caused by many factors. The following are common causes:
| Cause classification | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| fetal chromosomal abnormalities | Such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), etc. |
| congenital structural malformation | Heart defects, abnormal bone development, etc. |
| measurement error | Fetal position, equipment accuracy, or operator experience affect results |
| maternal factors | Infections, immune diseases or metabolic abnormalities during pregnancy |
2. Response steps after the NT inspection fails
1.Confirm inspection results: It is recommended to recheck in a professional medical institution to eliminate operational errors.
2.Further diagnostic testing: Choose the following items based on your doctor’s recommendations:
| Check type | Applicable gestational age | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Non-invasive DNA testing (NIPT) | 12-24 weeks | >99% (chromosomal abnormality) |
| amniocentesis | 16-22 weeks | diagnostic gold standard |
| Chorionic villus sampling | 11-14 weeks | diagnostic gold standard |
3.multidisciplinary consultation: If there are abnormalities, genetic counseling, obstetrics and pediatrics expert opinions need to be combined.
3. Recent hot discussions and data references
According to the hot topics in the medical and health field in the past 10 days, the following are the focus data on NT examination:
| topic | attention index | Related suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Thickened NT but normal non-invasive DNA | 85% | Need to strengthen ultrasound follow-up |
| NT values linked to fetal heart defects | 78% | It is recommended to do fetal heart color ultrasound after 22 weeks |
| Differences in twin NT examinations | 65% | Each fetal risk needs to be assessed individually |
4. Psychological adjustment and support resources
1.Avoid excessive anxiety: NT examination is only for screening, not diagnosis. About 70% of fetuses with thickened NT end up healthy.
2.Professional support channels: You can contact the hospital’s genetic counseling clinic or maternal mental health hotline.
3.Community experience sharing: Refer to cases compiled by authoritative platforms (such as the special topic "Smooth delivery after NT abnormality" on a maternal and infant APP).
5. Summary
Failure to pass the NT inspection must be treated rationally and the risks must be clarified through systematic follow-up inspections. The latest clinical data show that timely intervention can significantly improve prognosis. It is recommended that expectant parents maintain close communication with the attending physician to develop a personalized plan.
(Note: The data in this article are synthesized from the National Health Commission’s pregnancy and childbirth guidelines, clinical reports from tertiary hospitals and health platform hot search statistics, and are current as of October 2023.)
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