First‐trimester fetal nasal bone audit: evaluation of a novel method of image assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Quality control of ultrasound for fetal biometry: results from the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project

“…In Salomon et al's 8 original description of this process, high reproducibility levels for the image scoring method were demonstrated (kappa between 0.60 and 0.98); despite undertaking QC in a blinded fashion, the results from our study were even better. The high level of reproducibility of such objective methods 9,12,25,26 is corroborated by our study, which is the largest to date. It is likely that the high level of training of the sonographers acquiring the images and those conducting the QC, and the requirement for standardization of all staff in settings of near-optimal conditions for scanning contributed to the overall quality.…”

Evaluation of an objective method of image assessment for first‐trimester nasal bone

“…This is important because Exercise 3 was an effort to simulate the clinical situation when a sonographer has to determine the nasal-bone score of one fetus based on more than one image. In one earlier study, McLennan et al 9 showed that the degree of variation in image assessment was significantly reduced using a quantitative rather than qualitative approach. Therefore giving a score to the nasal bone based on the criteria set out could enhance the consistency and reliability of screening.…”

Image-scoring system for crown-rump length measurement

“…The use of image scoring for fetal biometry in the second trimester has been evaluated and found to be both feasible and reproducible. Other studies have also evaluated quality control and image‐scoring systems for NT and nasal bone measurements in the first trimester as part of trisomy 21 screening. The reliability of these image‐scoring systems has seen their validation and use in research, quality control and clinical audits.…”