Antenatal Screening Wales Publishes Annual Report for 2018-19
Screening in pregnancy is offered for conditions that may affect either the mother or the baby.
Blood tests look for; infections, (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis); blood disorders (sickle cell and thalassaemia); and blood group and antibodies. Early pregnancy and fetal anomaly ultrasound scans are offered, as well as screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome.
Story:
The report highlights the achievements of the team, working closely with colleagues across Wales, and illustrates the wide variety of work carried out within the eight antenatal screening programmes over the past year.
Screening in pregnancy is offered for conditions that may affect either the mother or the baby.
Blood tests look for; infections, (HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis); blood disorders (sickle cell and thalassaemia); and blood group and antibodies. Early pregnancy and fetal anomaly ultrasound scans are offered, as well as screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome.
Key developments in the last year include:
• a review of the ASW Policy, Standards and Protocols and subsequent development of an education package to inform health boards of the changes;
• a review of the ASW Screening Handbook for Midwives and Ultrasound Handbook for Sonographers and publication of a summary of changes document;
• the implementation of the offer of screening for Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome and Patau’s syndrome to include twin pregnancies, and the offer of NIPT as a contingency test to women with a singleton pregnancy identified with a higher chance result.
The regular work of ASW has continued during this period, including the monitoring of screening, supporting health board antenatal screening coordinators, MAC governance leads and lead sonographers. Also regular audits and the production and roll out of education materials.
The Antenatal Screening Wales programme involves stakeholders throughout Wales and the UK in the ongoing monitoring of standards and protocols for antenatal screening.
You can find out more about Antenatal Screening Wales by visiting the programme website.
The full Antenatal Screening Wales Annual Report 2018-19 is available to view online here: