The 18+0-20+6 weeks fetal anomaly screening scan is intended to identify unborn babies with a number of specific conditions that may be fatal, associated with morbidity or require antenatal or immediate post-natal support.
Click here to listen to Dr Trish Chudleigh, member of the National Ultrasound Standards Core Reference Group explaining why these 11 specific conditions have been identified as the basis of the 18-20 weeks fetal anomaly screening scan. (QuickTime)
The 11 auditable conditions and detection rates
These 11 key conditions have been selected as the basis of the ultrasound fetal anomaly screening process because they have predicted detection rates of 50% or greater. They are presented in the table below in order of the associated morbidity, with the exception of anencephaly. The first seven may offer some chance of survival and treatment, although this does depend on the severity of the condition. The last four are considered lethal conditions.
|
Condition |
Predicted detection rate |
|
Anencephaly |
98% |
|
Open spina bifida |
90% |
|
Cleft lip |
75% |
|
Diaphragmatic hernia |
60% |
|
Gastroschisis |
98% |
|
Exomphalos |
80% |
|
Serious cardiac abnormalities |
50% |
|
Bilateral renal agenesis |
84% |
|
Lethal skeletal dysplasia |
60% |
|
Edward's syndrome (trisomy 18) |
95% |
|
Patau's syndrome (trisomy 13) |
95% |
Information leaflets
NHS FASP has prepared a series of information leaflets for 9 of these key conditions. These are available in two versions:
- for parents
- for professionals.
Additionally NHS FASP has worked with the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to produce information for the two remaining sets of conditions.
The purpose of these leaflets is to help professionals explain the nature and implications of these relatively rare conditions to women and their families in a consistent and informative way. All these leaflets can be accessed in the download section, with the exception of the BHF leaflets which are only available by accessing the BHF website.
Further information, charities and support groups
Professionals and parents can obtain further information and support from the following charities and support groups. Web links are provided for each.
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