George Town, Prayagraj, U.P.211002
Welcome to Dr. Aditi's Fetal Medicine Centre
Welcome to Dr. Aditi's Fetal Medicine Centre
George Town, Prayagraj, U.P.211002
TIFFA scan full form is Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies. It is a detailed second-trimester ultrasound, commonly referred to as an anomaly scan or 20-week scan. The examination systematically checks the baby’s developing organs and body structures, including the brain, face, spine, heart, abdomen, kidneys, limbs and other important areas.
A TIFFA scan is generally performed around 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy, although the exact timing can vary according to the pregnancy, clinical findings and the protocol followed by the fetal-medicine specialist.
The TIFFA scan full form is Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies.
Unlike a routine pregnancy ultrasound that may primarily assess fetal growth, heartbeat and general wellbeing, a detailed anomaly scan focuses on the baby’s anatomy.
The specialist obtains specific ultrasound views to assess whether major fetal structures appear to be developing as expected for the stage of pregnancy.
The examination may assess:
The exact examination protocol can differ between centres and may be adapted according to the pregnancy and any identified risk factors.
An anomaly scan is a detailed ultrasound examination performed during the second trimester to look for structural abnormalities and assess fetal development.
It is commonly called the 20-week scan because it is usually performed around the middle of pregnancy.
The examination is more than simply taking pictures of the baby. It involves a systematic review of specific anatomical structures.
The specialist may assess the baby’s:
The placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid are also assessed as part of the pregnancy ultrasound.
A normal anomaly scan can be reassuring, but it cannot detect every possible condition. Some abnormalities are difficult to see on ultrasound, develop later in pregnancy or require additional specialist testing.
One of the most common questions is: anomaly scan is done in which week?
The scan is generally performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy.
Around 20 weeks is a commonly used target because many fetal structures are sufficiently developed for detailed assessment while there is still time for further investigation if an unexpected finding is identified.
The exact appointment date should be decided according to your pregnancy dates and your doctor’s recommendation.
Timing matters because fetal structures become progressively easier to assess as pregnancy develops.
If the scan is performed too early, some structures may not be sufficiently developed for complete assessment.
If it is delayed too much, there may be less time for additional imaging, counselling or investigations if a concern is identified.
For this reason, do not choose the date only according to convenience. Follow the gestational window recommended by your obstetrician or fetal-medicine specialist.
Another common search question is what is checked in an anomaly scan?
A detailed scan normally includes a systematic assessment of the baby’s major organs and structures.
| Area checked | What the specialist may assess |
|---|---|
| Brain and head | Skull, ventricles, midline structures, cerebellum and other visible brain anatomy |
| Face | Facial profile, lips and visible facial structures |
| Spine | Alignment and continuity of the spine |
| Heart | Position, four chambers, outflow tracts and appropriate cardiac views |
| Chest | Lungs, diaphragm and chest structures |
| Abdomen | Abdominal wall, stomach, bowel and internal organs |
| Kidneys | Presence, position and appearance of both kidneys |
| Bladder | Presence and appearance of the urinary bladder |
| Limbs | Arms, legs, long bones, hands and feet |
| Growth | Head, abdomen and femur measurements |
| Placenta | Position and relationship to the cervix |
| Umbilical cord | Cord insertion and vessels where assessable |
| Amniotic fluid | Overall amount of fluid |
| Fetal position | Position of the baby during the examination |
The precise checklist can vary according to the clinical protocol, gestational age, fetal position and whether additional assessment is required.
The brain and skull are important parts of the TIFFA examination.
The specialist may assess:
The aim is to identify significant structural differences that can be detected during the second-trimester examination.
However, ultrasound cannot predict every neurological or developmental condition.
The fetal face is assessed for visible structural development.
The examination may include:
Certain facial abnormalities can be detected during an anomaly scan, although the ability to identify a finding depends on its type, size, fetal position and image quality.
The spine is examined along its length.
The specialist looks at the alignment and appearance of the vertebral column and surrounding structures.
The scan can screen for certain structural abnormalities involving the spine, including some open spinal defects.
If the baby’s position prevents adequate views, the specialist may recommend additional imaging rather than assuming that an abnormality is present.
The fetal heart receives detailed attention during an anomaly scan.
The examination may include:
A routine anomaly scan is not necessarily the same as a dedicated fetal echocardiogram.
If there is a particular risk factor or concern about the baby’s heart, your doctor may recommend a separate fetal echocardiography examination.
The chest is examined as part of the overall fetal anatomy assessment.
The specialist may assess:
Some chest abnormalities can be detected during a detailed ultrasound, although not every lung or chest condition can be identified before birth.
The abdominal examination includes several important structures.
The specialist may assess:
The stomach is normally visible because the baby swallows amniotic fluid.
The bladder can also change in appearance as it fills and empties during the examination.
Both kidneys are assessed for their presence, position and appearance.
The bladder is also checked.
A detailed anomaly scan can identify some significant abnormalities involving the urinary system, but a normal scan cannot rule out every kidney or urinary condition.
The limbs are examined for appropriate development.
The specialist may assess:
The baby’s position can sometimes make the hands or feet difficult to assess. If important views cannot be obtained, a repeat scan may be recommended.
Growth measurements form another part of the examination.
Depending on the protocol, measurements can include:
These measurements are interpreted according to gestational age rather than against one universal number.
The placenta is assessed during the anomaly scan.
The specialist checks its location and its relationship with the cervix.
Placental position is important because a placenta that is close to or covering the cervical opening may require additional monitoring later in pregnancy.
The umbilical cord connects the fetus with the placenta.
Its insertion and vessels may be assessed during the detailed ultrasound.
If an unusual finding is identified, the doctor may recommend additional monitoring or further assessment.
The amount of amniotic fluid is assessed as part of the overall examination.
The fluid surrounds the baby and provides an important environment for fetal development.
An abnormal amount of fluid can sometimes be associated with maternal or fetal conditions and may require further assessment.
A detailed anomaly scan can screen for a number of significant structural abnormalities.
Depending on the screening programme and examination protocol, these may include:
However, an ultrasound examination is a screening test rather than a guarantee that every condition will be detected.
Some conditions may be too small to identify, develop later in pregnancy or require a different diagnostic test.
A TIFFA scan can identify certain structural findings that may be associated with chromosomal conditions.
However, the scan itself is not a diagnostic test for Down syndrome.
Depending on the pregnancy and previous screening results, your doctor may discuss options such as:
A structural finding on ultrasound does not automatically establish a chromosomal diagnosis.
A TIFFA or anomaly scan includes assessment of the fetal heart as part of the overall anatomical examination.
A fetal echocardiogram is different. It is a specialised ultrasound examination focused specifically on the baby’s heart.
Fetal echocardiography may be recommended when there is:
If your doctor recommends fetal echocardiography, it does not necessarily mean that a serious problem has already been confirmed. It may simply mean that a more detailed assessment is appropriate.
The duration varies depending on fetal position, image quality and the number of views required.
A straightforward examination may take around 30 minutes, while a difficult fetal position or additional assessment can make the appointment longer.
A longer appointment does not automatically mean that a problem has been found.
Sometimes the specialist simply needs to wait for the baby to move or obtain additional views.
No. A standard TIFFA or anomaly scan is a non-invasive ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen and the transducer is moved across the skin to obtain images.
You may feel some pressure while the specialist obtains particular views, but the procedure itself should not be painful.
Preparation instructions can vary between centres.
Before your appointment:
Do not assume that you need a full bladder unless your centre specifically asks you to prepare one.
The baby’s position can sometimes make certain structures difficult to see.
The specialist may ask you to:
An incomplete image does not automatically mean that something is wrong.
The purpose of repeating the scan is often simply to obtain the views required to complete the assessment.
No.
This is an important limitation to understand.
A normal TIFFA scan means that the structures examined appeared reassuring at the time of the examination.
It does not guarantee that the baby has no:
Some conditions require specialised imaging or genetic testing.
Therefore, the TIFFA scan full form and purpose should be understood as a targeted anatomical screening examination rather than a complete guarantee of fetal health.
A fetal-medicine consultation may be recommended when:
The specialist can explain what the finding means and whether further imaging, monitoring or testing is appropriate.
For additional information about the detailed pregnancy ultrasound performed during the second trimester, you can read the NHS 20-week scan guidance, which explains what the scan looks for and when it is usually performed.
Understanding the TIFFA scan full form is useful when preparing for a detailed fetal anatomy assessment. The TIFFA scan full form refers to Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies, and the examination follows a systematic review of the baby’s major organs and structures. Knowing the TIFFA scan full form and what the examination covers can help parents understand why the scan is scheduled during the second trimester and why additional imaging may sometimes be recommended.
The TIFFA scan full form is Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies. It is a detailed second-trimester ultrasound examination commonly referred to as an anomaly scan.
An anomaly scan is generally performed around 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy, although the exact timing can vary according to the pregnancy and clinical protocol.
The scan may assess the brain, face, spine, heart, chest, abdomen, kidneys, bladder, limbs, fetal growth, placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.
TIFFA and anomaly scan are commonly used to describe the detailed second-trimester anatomical examination. TIFFA stands for Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies.
No. It is a non-invasive abdominal ultrasound. Some pressure may be felt while the required images are obtained.
It can identify some structural findings associated with chromosomal conditions, but TIFFA is not a diagnostic test for Down syndrome.
The specialist may ask you to change position or wait for the baby to move. A repeat scan may be recommended if important views remain incomplete.
No. The examination is an important screening test, but it cannot detect every possible condition.
For patients looking for a detailed TIFFA scan in Prayagraj, a fetal-medicine consultation can help determine the appropriate timing and scope of the examination.
Dr. Aditi’s Fetal Medicine Centre provides specialised fetal-medicine services, including detailed pregnancy ultrasound assessment and fetal echocardiography.
You can learn more about the available Fetal Medicine Services or read about Fetal Echocardiography.
For information about the centre and its clinical services, visit Dr. Aditi’s Fetal Medicine Centre.
The TIFFA scan full form is Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies. It is a detailed second-trimester ultrasound generally performed around 18–22 weeks to assess the baby’s major organs and anatomical structures.
The examination can include the brain, face, spine, heart, chest, abdomen, kidneys, bladder, limbs, growth, placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid.
Understanding what is checked in an anomaly scan and anomaly scan is done in which week can help parents prepare for the appointment. Most importantly, a normal scan is reassuring but cannot rule out every possible fetal condition. If an unexpected finding is identified, your doctor can recommend the appropriate next step, which may include repeat imaging, specialist assessment, fetal echocardiography, genetic counselling or other testing.
