Routine Antenatal Diagnostic Imaging Ultrasound Study (RADIUS) thoughts? (popular in Europe)

[tgreen]

Routine Antenatal Diagnostic Imaging Ultrasound Study ("RADIUS") is a non-invasive ultrasound scan.

There is a significantly higher detection rate of serious birth defects if performed by physicians with extensive training in fetal diagnosis. Is this more accurate than the nuchal screen test?

Has anyone heard of this? I brought this up with my OB, but she had not heard of it. This is a popular (and affordable) option in Europe. In Germany, it is recommended to have one done every trimester. RADIUS can screen for heart abnormalities, etc.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Anyone know of an experienced reader in the area? (Or can the ultrasounds be sent overseas to be interpreted?)

I'm at week 9, and am looking for the best non-invasive test.

Links re RADIUS:

http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2011/10/prenatal_testing_birth_defects_often_come_as_a_surprise_.html
http://local.obgyn.net/Fetal_Ultrasound_Screening_Falls_Church_VA-r1256424-Falls_Church_VA.html
http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/routine.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8090403

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

is it possibly a level 2 ultrasound by a different name? if you have any history of fetal abnormality here the norm is a level 2 ultrasound at 18-20 wks--the machine is more powerful than the standard and the measurements are more thorough

[Anonymous]

My only knowledge comes from the links you posted, but it appears RADIUS was the name of a research study, not a diagnostic test. I think the test they are referring to is a level 2 ultrasound just as PP suggested. In Europe a level 2 ultrasound is done routinely in every trimester.