Combined First Trimester Screening Gold Coast | CFTS Gold Coast
Haven Ultrasound offers Combined First Trimester Screening (CFTS) on the Gold Coast, providing a non-invasive first trimester assessment that combines a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound with a maternal blood test. CFTS is performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy and is designed to provide an individual risk assessment for certain chromosomal conditions, including Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). Our experienced team supports you through each stage of this assessment, working closely with your referring GP or obstetrician.
CONSULTATIONS
What is Combined First Trimester Screening?
Combined First Trimester Screening (CFTS) is a non-invasive prenatal screening assessment offered to all pregnant women between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy. It combines the results of a nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound with a maternal blood test to generate an individualised risk estimate for the following chromosomal conditions:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
CFTS is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. A result indicating an increased risk does not confirm a chromosomal condition; it provides information to support discussions about further assessment options, such as non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or diagnostic procedures. Your referring clinician will guide you through these options based on your individual circumstances.
Why Choose CFTS on the Gold Coast at Haven Ultrasound?
Haven Ultrasound is a specialist women’s ultrasound practice with a dedicated focus on pregnancy imaging and first trimester assessments. Our Gold Coast clinic provides a calm, private environment where you can feel supported throughout the screening process.
At Haven Ultrasound on the Gold Coast:
- NT measurements are performed to Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) standards by trained and accredited sonographers.
- Our team has specialist experience in first trimester ultrasound and prenatal screening.
- We use high-resolution GE Voluson technology to ensure imaging quality.
- Results are communicated promptly to your GP or obstetrician to support your ongoing antenatal care.
- We can also discuss NIPT testing as a complementary or alternative screening option.
Why Have Combined First Trimester Screening?
CFTS on the Gold Coast is offered as part of routine antenatal care and provides expectant parents with important information during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are several reasons your GP or obstetrician may recommend Combined First Trimester Screening:
- To obtain a personalised, age-adjusted risk estimate for common chromosomal conditions early in pregnancy.
- As part of a broader first trimester assessment that also evaluates fetal anatomy and checks for structural findings appropriate to this gestation.
- To inform decisions about further prenatal screening or testing options, including NIPT testing or invasive diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
- To establish an accurate gestational age and estimated due date based on ultrasound measurements.
- To identify multiple pregnancies and assess chorionicity, which is important for planning ongoing antenatal care.
CFTS is a personal decision. Your referring clinician is the best person to advise whether Combined First Trimester Screening is appropriate for your pregnancy and circumstances.
At your Combined First Trimester Screening appointment on the Gold Coast, you can expect the following:
- A specialist sonographer will perform the nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound, carefully measuring the NT space and assessing first trimester fetal anatomy.
- The NT measurement, together with your maternal blood test results (collected separately via a pathology provider), maternal age, and gestational age, are used to calculate an individualised risk estimate.
- You will be cared for in a respectful, private environment with clear, patient-friendly explanations provided throughout your appointment.
- Scan images and a report are provided to your referring clinician following the appointment.
Haven Ultrasound works collaboratively with your GP, obstetrician, or midwife to support continuity of your antenatal care. If you have questions following your scan, our team is available to assist.
How to Book Your CFTS Appointment on the Gold Coast
To book your Combined First Trimester Screening appointment at Haven Ultrasound on the Gold Coast:
- Book online via our Book Online page.
- Contact our Gold Coast clinic team directly to arrange a suitable appointment time.
- Ensure you have a valid referral from your GP, obstetrician, or maternity care provider before attending.
For more information about pregnancy screening and imaging options available at Haven Ultrasound, you may find our Pregnancy Ultrasound services page helpful. You can also learn more about NIPT testing as a complementary first trimester screening option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CFTS and NIPT?
Combined First Trimester Screening (CFTS) combines a nuchal translucency ultrasound and a maternal blood test to produce a risk estimate for certain chromosomal conditions. It is available from around 11 weeks and is a population-level screening tool. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a blood test that analyses cell-free fetal DNA circulating in maternal blood and can provide more specific risk information for chromosomal conditions. NIPT is generally available from 10 weeks of pregnancy. Your referring clinician can advise which screening option or combination of options is most appropriate for your pregnancy.
When should Combined First Trimester Screening be performed?
CFTS is performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days of pregnancy, when the fetal crown-rump length (CRL) is between 45mm and 84mm. Booking your appointment within this specific gestational window is important to ensure the NT measurement can be accurately obtained. If you are unsure of your gestational age, our team can assist with confirming this at the time of your appointment.
Is a referral required for CFTS at Haven Ultrasound?
Yes. A referral from your GP, obstetrician, or maternity care provider is required to attend a scan at Haven Ultrasound. A valid referral also allows you to access any applicable Medicare rebates for the ultrasound component of your Combined First Trimester Screening appointment. Please contact our reception team if you have questions about your referral.
What does the CFTS ultrasound involve?
The nuchal translucency ultrasound component of CFTS is performed abdominally in most cases. The sonographer measures the NT space at the back of the baby’s neck, assesses the nasal bone, evaluates first trimester fetal anatomy, checks the number of fetuses, and reviews the uterus and adnexa. The ultrasound is performed by a trained and accredited sonographer using high-resolution equipment. In some cases, a transvaginal scan may be required to obtain the necessary measurements, particularly if the gestational age is at the earlier end of the recommended window.