Acceptability of the Early Anomaly Ultrasound Scan (ACAS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptability of the Early Anomaly Ultrasound Scan in Pregnancy
IRAS ID
265966
Contact name
Aris Papageorgiou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
In England, women are offered two routine scans during pregnancy. The first takes place at 11 to 14 weeks and checks the baby is alive, measures the baby, and looks for twins. At this scan, women are also given the option to have screening for Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndrome. The second scan occurs around 20 weeks and aims to check that everything is developing normally. Unfortunately, in about 2 to 5% of pregnancies, an important abnormality is found at this scan.
With improvements in ultrasound equipment, we have found that almost half of all major abnormalities can be picked up earlier – between 11 and 14 weeks. Early detection of abnormalities may be a valuable addition to pregnancy care as it gives parents more time for extra testing, to speak to specialists, to make preparations for the baby's birth and if they wish, to think about termination of pregnancy. For parents choosing a termination, having it done earlier can also be safer. However, there are possible disadvantages too: early scanning could suggest the baby has a condition which further testing shows is not the case. This could cause unnecessary worry and additional tests, as well as being costly to the NHS.
We would like to understand what parents think of introducing a new, early
scan looking at the development of the baby in the first trimester (11-14 weeks) by asking them to complete a survey: Do parents prefer earlier screening? What information would they like to know? Is an earlier diagnosis worth the risk of a false alarm and the stress involved? We want to ensure that parents are at the heart of the study and any future screening program designed. The new scan should only be introduced if parents think it's a good idea and well suited to their needs.REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0483
Date of REC Opinion
31 Oct 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion