Ultrasound TIFFA

Overview

Ultrasound TIFFA (Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies) is a comprehensive prenatal ultrasound examination performed to evaluate the developing baby's anatomy in detail. Commonly known as the anomaly scan, TIFFA is usually performed between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy and helps assess fetal growth, organ development, and structural abnormalities.

This specialized examination provides a detailed assessment of the fetal brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, abdomen, kidneys, limbs, placenta, amniotic fluid, and other important structures. TIFFA plays a critical role in prenatal care by helping identify congenital anomalies and monitoring fetal well-being.

Benefits of the Test

• Provides detailed fetal anatomical assessment.
• Helps identify structural abnormalities.
• Evaluates fetal growth and development.
• Assesses fetal organs and body systems.
• Monitors placental location and health.
• Measures amniotic fluid volume.
• Supports informed prenatal care planning.
• Safe and radiation-free examination.

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

• Routine second-trimester fetal anomaly screening.
• Assessment of fetal growth and development.
• Detection of congenital abnormalities.
• Evaluation of fetal anatomy.
• Monitoring high-risk pregnancies.
• Assessment of placental location.
• Comprehensive prenatal evaluation.

Preparation Before the Test

• A moderately full bladder may be required depending on gestational age.
• Drink water if advised by your healthcare provider.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Carry previous pregnancy reports and scan records.
• Follow instructions provided by your doctor.
• Inform the healthcare team about relevant medical history.

Who Should Take This Test?

• Pregnant women between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation.
• Women undergoing routine prenatal screening.
• Patients with high-risk pregnancies.
• Individuals referred for fetal anomaly assessment.
• Women requiring detailed fetal evaluation.
• Patients with abnormal earlier screening results.
• Women undergoing comprehensive antenatal care.

Normal Reporting Time

Reports are typically available within 2 to 4 hours after completion of the examination and radiologist review.

Detailed Information

TIFFA Scan is one of the most important prenatal ultrasound examinations performed during pregnancy. The examination provides a detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy and is specifically designed to identify major structural abnormalities that may affect the baby before birth.

During the scan, the sonologist carefully examines the fetal brain, skull, face, spine, neck, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, urinary bladder, abdominal wall, limbs, and other anatomical structures. The examination also assesses fetal movements, growth parameters, placental position, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid volume.

The TIFFA Scan helps identify a wide range of congenital anomalies including neural tube defects, cardiac abnormalities, abdominal wall defects, skeletal abnormalities, and other structural conditions. Although no screening test can detect every abnormality, TIFFA significantly improves prenatal detection rates for many important fetal conditions.

Obstetricians, gynecologists, fetal medicine specialists, and radiologists routinely recommend this examination as part of standard prenatal care. The information obtained helps healthcare providers plan appropriate pregnancy management and, when necessary, arrange further evaluation or specialized care.

The procedure is safe, painless, and does not involve radiation exposure. Most TIFFA examinations take approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on fetal position and imaging requirements. Reports are generally available within 2 to 4 hours after interpretation by an experienced radiologist or fetal medicine specialist.