NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY

Each sonographer using the FMF 11-13 weeks scan risk calculation software is required to submit NT data for audit 3 months after obtaining the FMF Certificate of competence in NT measurement and the FMF 11-13 weeks scan software.
In addition to the FMF audit, all sonographers are encouraged to perform their own internal quality assurance on a monthly basis by examining their NT distribution using the automated audit module incorporated within the FMF risk calculation software.

The major annual audit involves assessment of the distribution of NT measurements of the centre and of each sonographer and examination of their images. Sonographers passing their audit will be re-audited and re-licensed on an annual basis thereafter. The NT distribution cannot be assessed if fewer than 30 scans have been performed; in this situation an individual can still pass their audit if their images are satisfactory.

If an individuals NT distribution falls outside the satisfactory range advice will be given on how to improve the technique for measuring the NT, based on the review of images. The name of the sonographer will be removed from the Programs website list of holders of the Certificate of competence in NT. A new audit will be carried out in 6 months and the sonographer will only be reinstated on the FMF website list once the audit is considered satisfactory.
However, if in the repeated audit the standard of the sonographer has not improved then their FMF software license will be revoked. In this case the sonographer will need to be retrained and apply for recertification by attending the FMF internet based course on the 11-13 weeks scan and submitting the appropriate logbook of images.