Fetal anomaly screening by ultrasound should be performed between 18 and 20+6 weeks. To establish gestation, a first trimester ultrasound examination should be offered beforehand. The decision whether to undergo screening by ultrasound should not be dependant on the decision whether to undergo Down’s syndrome screening: the two screening systems should be offered and considered separately.
Some fetal anomalies will be suspected and confirmed at ultrasound examination performed both earlier and later than 18-20+6 weeks and women should be made aware of these possibilities before each ultrasound examination is requested or performed.
The protocols document contains standard national protocols for all healthcare professionals involved in the NHS Scotland Down’s and fetal Anomaly screening programme. In order to ensure equity of service across Scotland, NHS Boards are required to ensure that the screening service provided locally adheres to these protocols.
2015 – Fetal Anomaly and Down’s Syndrome Screening Protocols – v 1
Information on Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) and the Scottish Diaphragmatic Hernia Clinical Network (SDHCN) can be found using the link below
The link to the Scottish Diaphragmatic Hernia Clinical Network (SDHCN) website can be found below