Advice on routine ultrasound scanning before 24 weeks of pregnancy launched today.
NHS QIS recommends two routine ultrasound scans for pregnant women
(Launch: 11.00am, Friday 13 February, The Chancellor’s Building, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Little France Crescent, Edinburgh)
All pregnant women in Scotland should be routinely offered two ultrasound scans, according to recommendations made today (Friday 13 February) by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS).
Most pregnant women in Scotland are currently only offered one routine scan, usually during the first trimester (three months).
This scan (known as a ‘booking’ scan) is used to determine the duration of the pregnancy and identify potential problems with the development of the fetus.
Following an extensive review of the evidence on the use of ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, NHS QIS advises that a second (‘anomaly’) scan should be offered to women during their second trimester, at between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
This scan can identify certain defects in the fetus, including problems with the heart and spina bifida.
NHS QIS has advised that pregnant women should be offered their first scan at between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy.
This first scan should be part of a wider screening test. This screening test, which combines specific ultrasound measurements (known as a nuchal translucency measurement) and results of a blood test from the mother (serum screen), can identify the risk of Down’s syndrome.
A follow-up test will be offered to women who are found to have a higher chance of having a baby with Down’s syndrome.
NHS QIS Interim Director, Health Technology Assessment, Dr Harpreet Kohli said: “Ultrasound scanning is currently provided in different ways at different hospitals in Scotland. Women are offered ultrasound at different stages of pregnancy and undergo various types of tests to assess the potential risk of conditions like Down’s syndrome and spina bifida.
“Implementation of our advice will bring consistency to the service in Scotland and offer reassurance to the majority of pregnant women about their baby’s health.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland will launch the Advice on routine ultrasound scanning before 24 weeks of pregnancy at 11am today <13 February 2004 />. Media representatives are welcome to attend the launch at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The full report will be available from 11.00am today on the NHS QIS website:
Link to NHS QIS Advice on Routine ultrasound scanning before 24 weeks of pregancy
Link to Understanding our Advice
Ultrasound scanning
1. Ultrasound scanning uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the fetus during pregnancy. Scans provide information about the size of the fetus, the date the baby is due, and its development. They can also identify multiple pregnancies.
2. Ultrasound scanning is part of routine antenatal care in Scotland and each year over 50 000 pregnant women are offered scans.
3. Pregnancy is traditionally divided into three trimesters: distinct periods of roughly three months in which different phases of development take place.
4. The fetus is the unborn baby from the end of the eighth week after conception until birth.
5. Spina bifida is a birth defect of the spinal column where part of the spinal cord is exposed.
6. Nuchal translucency is a measurement of the space between the skin and the bone in the fetal neck.
7. Down’s syndrome is a lifelong disorder, existing before birth, where the baby has an extra chromosome.
Health Technology Assessment
NHS QIS used an internationally recognised process called Health Technology Assessment to form its advice. This took account of the evidence on the medical, social, ethical, and economic implications of routine ultrasound scanning before 24 weeks of pregnancy. A group of experts, chaired by Dr Gillian Penney, Programme Co-ordinator, Scottish Programme for Clinical Effectiveness in Reproductive Health (SPCERH), advised NHS QIS.
NHS QIS Remit:
NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) has been established to improve the quality of healthcare in Scotland. To do this, it will set standards and monitor performance, and provide NHSScotland with advice, guidance and support on effective clinical practice and service improvements.
NHS QIS is independent from government. Although it is accountable to the Scottish Executive for delivering its work programme and for the public money it spends, NHS QIS reaches its own conclusions on the advice and guidance it provides to the NHS, and publishes its findings.
Background:
Established on 1 January 2003, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland is a Special Health Board, built on the expertise developed within the:
• Clinical Resource and Audit Group
• Clinical Standards Board for Scotland
• Health Technology Board for Scotland
• Nursing and Midwifery Practice Development Unit
• the Scottish Health Advisory Service.
Chaired by Lord Patel, the Board has a broad membership that includes NHS staff and members of the public. Dr David Steel is Chief Executive.
NHS QIS Interim Director, Health Technology Assessment Dr Harpreet Kohli, SPCERH Programme Co-ordinator Dr Gillian Penney, and a representative from the National Childbirth Trust, Cynthia Clarkson, are available for interview after the news conference.
Contacts:
Rob MacPhail, Communications Officer, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, tel: 0141 225 6992 (dl) or 07855 838340(mob)
ENDS