Standard 2nd or 3rd Trimester Examination

A Standard Examination is performed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It includes an evaluation of fetal presentation, amniotic fluid volume, cardiac activity, placental position, fetal biometry, and an anatomic survey. If technically feasible, the maternal cervix and adnexa also are examined. Compared to Genetic Ultrasound, a Standard or Screening examination has limitations as it relates to the detection of major birth defects of the spine, heart, and the detection of Down syndrome. The following graph illustrates this principle.

 

Using Genetic Ultrasound, the detection rate for spinal cord defects increases from 85% to 98%, Down syndrome from 49% to 97%, and heart defects from 10% to 90%. In addition, Genetic Ultrasound may identify other serious birth defects.

Limited Examination

A limited examination is performed when a specific question requires investigation. In an emergency, for example, one could perform a limited examination to evaluate fetal heart activity in a bleeding patient. This evaluation would also be appropriate for verifying fetal presentation in a laboring patient. However, in most cases limited sonographic examinations are appropriate only when a prior complete or Standard Examination has been performed.

Specialized Examinations

A detailed anatomic examination is performed when an anomaly is suspected on the basis of history, biochemical abnormalities, or the results of either the limited or standard scan. Other specialized examinations might include fetal Doppler, biophysical profile, fetal echocardiogram, or additional biometric studies. An example of a specialized examination is Genetic Ultrasound, Fetal Echocardiography,or the 3D/4D Screening Heart and Face Examination.

These are examples of different ultrasound technologies that would be used to examine the fetus during a "Specialized Examination" such as Genetic Ultrasound, Fetal Echocardiography, or 3D/4D Screening Heart and Face examination.