Also known as Fetal Anomaly Scan, it is performed around 20 – 21 weeks gestation by a specialist in fetal morphology study (fetal organ and apparatus development) and it detects fetal abnormalities and monitors uterus-placenta function. The scan is performed using a cutting-edge 3D - 4D high resolution imaging technique. The probe is placed on the mother’s abdomen smeared with gel (transabdominally) or inserted in the vagina with a latex cover and gel to assess the length of the uterine neck.
The test ends with the assessment of blood flow through the umbilical cord and inside maternal uterine vessels with the Color Doppler. The 3D - 4D technique is used for an accurate examination of fetal face, backbone and limbs.

The anomaly scan is able to:

• detect major fetal abnormalities
• analyse uterine and placental blood flow (colour and pulsed doppler fluximetry) and identify patients at risk for gestational Hypertension and/or fetal growth restriction. Today these pathologies are still the main causes of both fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity.
• identify patients at risk for preterm delivery by measuring cervical length.
• check the location of the placenta which ‘moves’ until the third trimester
• assess any reduction or increase of amniotic fluid
• identify patients with a higher risk for chromosomal disorder by searching for specific markers (such as nuchal fold, nasal bone, echogenic bowel, renal pelvis dilatation).

The scan results are immediately available and include a DVD and pictures (prints and digital images).