Some essential requirements are necessary to perform NT correctly.

• the Ultrasound equipment should be up to date and accurate measurement (within a tenth of a millimetre) should be obtained.
  
  
• The patient/couple pre-testing counselling: the Specialist performing the test is the same discussing the result with the patient.
  
  
• The Doctor experience performing the scan. The results are elaborated with a dedicated software. The performance of the Doctor is assessed by an audit process to ensure that adequate skill is maintained.
  
  
• The Doctor performing the scan is responsible of the test: therefore he/she enters all the data in the software. Periodical review of his/hers standard of practice is carried out.

It is important that when deciding for NT testing the patient is aware that NT is not only an ultrasound of the fetal neck.

In Italy there is no specific certification required to the operators to perform NT scan. The Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) is an international association of specialists (doctors and midwives – in UK and Ireland for example scans are performed not only by doctors) that guarantees adequate training and standards for the operators performing NT scans.

Sonographers obtain the FMF Certificate of competence in NT on a year based audit. Only sonographers not Centres have an accreditation. To view the list of health care professionals (updated to 4 November 2011) and others accredited for Nuchal Translucency please click here. Please note addresses are not available.