Ultrasound and Radiology

Anomaly Scan

Fast & Reliable Reports You Can Trust
Accurate Reports Delivered On Time
Advanced Imaging Technology for Clear Diagnosis
Expert Radiologists Reviewing Every Scan

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₹2,500/*

*Prices may vary by city and chosen centre. Inclusive of sonologist report and foetal measurements. No hidden charges.

Fast & Reliable Reports You Can Trust
Accurate Reports Delivered On Time
Advanced Imaging Technology for Clear Diagnosis
Expert Radiologists Reviewing Every Scan

Anomaly Scan — About the Test

The Anomaly Scan (also called the Level 2 Scan or TIFFA Scan) is the most comprehensive single ultrasound performed during pregnancy. Carried out between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, it is a systematic, organ-by-organ examination of the developing baby — checking the brain, spine, heart, kidneys, abdomen, face, limbs, and placenta in detail. At this stage, foetal organs are sufficiently developed to be clearly visualised, yet the baby is still small enough to be imaged in full. The scan screens for major structural abnormalities — some of which are treatable before or after birth, and some of which may significantly influence pregnancy management. This scan is strongly recommended for all pregnant women — not only those considered high-risk. Early detection of a structural abnormality allows parents and their obstetric team to plan appropriately, access specialist care, and make informed decisions. The scan is performed by sonologists with dedicated foetal medicine training. It typically takes 30–45 minutes — significantly longer than a routine pregnancy scan. No radiation. No injections. Completely safe.

What Happens During an Anomaly Scan? (30–45 Minutes)

Key benefits of this package include:

Step 1 — Preparation: No fasting or special preparation required. Eat and drink normally. A comfortably full bladder may help in early 18-week scans — your sonologist will advise.
Step 2 — Positioning: Lie on the scanning table on your back. Expose the entire abdomen. The sonologist will apply warm gel and begin a systematic examination.
Step 3 — The scan: The sonologist examines the baby organ by organ — following a standardised checklist (the ISUOG or FOGSI anomaly scan protocol). This includes the brain, face, neck, chest, heart (four-chamber view + outflow tracts), diaphragm, abdominal wall, kidneys, bladder, spine, limbs, hands, and feet.
Step 4 — Biometry and growth: Standard foetal measurements are taken — head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length — to calculate gestational age and estimated foetal weight and assess growth.
Step 5 — Placenta and fluid: Placental location, appearance, and amniotic fluid index (AFI) are assessed.
Step 6 — Done: 30–45 minutes. A detailed written report with images is ready within 4 hours.

What an Anomaly Scan Screens For

Brain and Skull

Neural tube defects — anencephaly, spina bifida, encephalocele

Ventriculomegaly — enlarged brain ventricles (fluid accumulation)

Choroid plexus cysts — usually a normal variant; large or bilateral cysts assessed further

Posterior fossa abnormalities — Dandy-Walker malformation

Microcephaly — reduced head size

Face and Neck

Cleft lip — visible on direct facial imaging (note: cleft palate requires further imaging)

Nuchal fold thickness — >6 mm in second trimester is a chromosomal marker

Thyroid/neck masses

Heart (Foetal Echocardiography — Basic)

Four-chamber view — assesses chamber size and wall thickness

Outflow tracts — detects transposition of great vessels, tetralogy of Fallot

Ventricular septal defects (VSD) — hole between ventricles

Cardiac position and axis

Abdomen and Organs

Anterior abdominal wall defects — gastroschisis, omphalocele

Diaphragmatic hernia — bowel in the chest cavity

Kidneys — hydronephrosis, absent kidneys, multicystic kidney

Bladder — megacystis (excessively large bladder from outlet obstruction)

Bowel — echogenic bowel (a soft marker for chromosomal anomaly)

Skeleton and Limbs

Long bone measurements — short femur as skeletal dysplasia marker

Club foot (talipes)

Hand and finger abnormalities

Placenta, Cord, and Fluid

Placenta praevia — low-lying placenta (covering or near cervix)

Single umbilical artery — two-vessel cord (associated with renal anomalies)

Amniotic fluid — oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios

FAQs

The Anomaly Scan is a detailed, systematic ultrasound performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby's brain, heart, spine, kidneys, limbs, and all major organs for structural abnormalities. It is the most comprehensive ultrasound of pregnancy.

The 18–22 week window is optimal — organ detail is clearest at this stage. Some findings can still be assessed after 22 weeks, but the scan is technically more difficult as the baby grows. Book as early as possible within the window.

A normal anomaly scan is reassuring, but no ultrasound can guarantee a completely normal baby. Some conditions — particularly chromosomal abnormalities, minor heart defects, and syndromes — may not be detectable on ultrasound. The scan is a screening tool, not a guarantee.

If a concern is identified, your sonologist will explain the finding and refer you to a foetal medicine specialist for further evaluation. This may include a detailed foetal echocardiogram, MRI, or chromosomal testing (amniocentesis). Early detection allows for appropriate specialist planning.

The anomaly scan can identify soft markers associated with Down syndrome (nuchal fold, echogenic bowel, short femur), but it is not a chromosome test. The NT scan combined with blood tests at 11–14 weeks, and NIPT, are more reliable for chromosomal screening.

30–45 minutes — longer than a routine pregnancy scan. Report ready within 4 hours.

Book at medall.in, via the Medall app, by calling +91 7550 177 777, or on WhatsApp.

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