NHS fetal anomaly ultrasound screening programme (FA2)

The NHS Fetal Anomaly Ultrasound Screening Programme (FA2) data provides insights into the coverage and effectiveness of the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan conducted between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

This data includes the percentage of eligible pregnant women who received the scan, which is designed to detect a range of fetal anomalies such as Down's syndrome, Edwards' syndrome, Patau's syndrome, and various physical conditions like spina bifida and congenital heart disease.

Rationale

The FA2 data helps assess the programme's reach and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that expectant mothers receive timely and accurate information about their baby's health. This information is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and enhance the quality of prenatal care services.

Definition of numerator

The number of eligible pregnant women who received the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Definition of denominator

The total number of eligible pregnant women who were offered the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Caveats

• Eligibility Criteria: The data only includes pregnant women who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as those with a fetal crown rump length (CRL) measurement between 45.0mm and 84.0mm (11 weeks plus 2 days to 14 weeks plus 1 day of pregnancy). Women who fall outside these parameters are excluded.
• Exclusions: Certain groups are excluded from the data, such as women who miscarry, opt for termination, transfer out before testing, or have pregnancies of a higher order than twins.
• Technical Limitations: There may be instances where it is not technically possible to measure the nuchal translucency (NT), leading to exclusions from the data.
• Service Capacity: The capacity of ultrasound departments to accommodate women presenting later in pregnancy can affect the data. If the service cannot offer the combined test to women presenting between 13 weeks plus 1 day and 14 weeks plus 1 day, these women can be excluded.
• Informed Choice: The data includes women who decline the screening after being offered, which can impact the overall coverage rates.