The information provided here is to help laboratories understand their
role in this program.
We invite laboratories who currently perform first trimester risk assessment for fetal aneuploidy to join our program. First trimester screening for aneuploidies includes a Nuchal Translucency scan plus a first trimester serum sample to measure PAPP-A and either intact or free beta hCG.
Each participating laboratory plays a crucial role in the monitoring process by providing sonographer-specific NT measurement data to NTQR. These data are used for on-going epidemiologic monitoring to ensure that the NT measurements submitted by providers to laboratories are accurate.
Required Variables
- NTQR ID of person performing the scan (NTQR assigned)
- Date of ultrasound
- Number of fetuses
- CRL (mm)
- NT (mm)
Additional Requested Variables
- NTQR ID of physician reading the scan (NTQR assigned)
- Maternal date of birth
- Maternal age at EDD
- Maternal weight (lbs)
- IVF pregnancy (no/yes)
- Egg donor age at time of donation
- Chorionicity
- Ethnic group
- Insulin dependent diabetic (no/yes)
- Previous pregnancy with NTD (no/yes)
- Previous pregnancy with Trisomy 18 (no/yes)
- Previous pregnancy with Down syndrome (no/yes)
The NTQR website has a secure portal for laboratories to use to transmit data once it has been received from the provider. NTQR can accept data in a variety of ways; our preferred method is XML file upload. Other supported methods are Excel file upload and HL7 data transfer. NTQR will work closely with each laboratory's IT group to facilitate the initial setup of the data transfer process.
NTQR will provide the laboratory with information about the status of its providers on a regular basis (e.g., which providers are in good standing, those under review, those remediation, and those no longer credentialed).
NTQR is requesting a nominal fee per NT scan transmitted from the laboratory. This fee goes toward paying for operational expenses associated with the program. Additionally, many of our laboratories have provided NTQR with grants to help pay for start up costs. Please contact
support@perinatalquality.org
with questions.
To participate in the NTQR program, the laboratory should contact an NTQR Representative at
support@perinatalquality.org. The NTQR representative will work with the laboratory to set up the data transfer process and will answer any further questions.