QUFW Patient Services

QUFW Patient services include routine first trimester and nuchal translucency screening, NIPT testing, morphology and growth scans,
multiple pregnancy assessment as well as gynaecological imaging and assessment.

QUFW also have experienced sonographers who use the latest ultrasound equipment and routinely
scan using 3D and 4D for fetal assessment.

Obstetrics

Early Pregnancy Assessment (Pre 10 weeks)

An early pregnancy scan is performed to:

  • Evaluate for the presence of a fetal heart beat
  • Confirm the gestational age and the due date of the pregnancy
  • Assess the location of the pregnancy – inside the uterus or elsewhere known as an ectopic pregnancy
  • Identify the number of fetuses present and type of multiple pregnancy

Usually this is will involve both an abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examination. The need and timing of this scan can vary depending on your referring doctor and your past medical or obstetric history.

NIPT (Non invasive prenatal testing)

NIPT is now the best screening test available for the risk assessment of the most common chromosomal anomalies such as Downs Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau (Trisomy 13) as for some sex chromosomal anomalies such as Turners syndrome by assessing the fetal DNA in the maternal circulation.

The NIPT can also detect some large microdeletions and chromosomal anomalies affecting other chromosomes. In these situations, further counselling and testing options will be discussed.

We offer a comprehensive service at all QUFW locations for patients wanting NIPT including:

  • Ultrasound scan (Referral needed) to determine the accurate timing for the test
  • Pre Test consultation
  • Blood Collection for NIPT testing
  • Post test counselling if required

NIPT can be performed from 10 weeks gestation onwards. Currently, there is no Medicare rebate for the NIPT test.

Please contact us for further details of our NIPT providers if needed.

Combined Nuchal Translucency Screening (11+1 to 13+6 weeks gestation)/ Early anatomy scan (before 14 weeks)

Between 11 weeks and 14 weeks gestation, many of the ultrasound screening tests can be performed. QUFW recommends for this assessment to be done in the 13th week of pregnancy.

The routine combined first trimester screening (CFTS) test can be evaluated for the likelihood of chromosome abnormalities such as Trisomy 21,18 and 13. It incorporates the ultrasound findings with blood tests of hormone markers, free bhCG and PAPP-A results to create a risk assessment.

At this stage of pregnancy, an early anatomy scan can also be performed. We can detect major structural anomalies which can have impact on your management. This is routinely performed during the FTCS or if NIPT has been performed.

In addition, early onset pre-eclampsia is an additional screening test that QUFW performs at this scan. Hypertension or high blood pressure can develop into a serious medical condition for both the mother and the fetus that may require medication and closer monitoring.

Morphology Scans (20 weeks)

The morphology scan or previously known 18-20 week scan is performed to assess structure and development of the baby, the position of the placenta, the dating of the fetus and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.

We examine all the major fetal organs and maternal pelvic structures. We are able to detect many major structural problems but not all anomalies are able to be demonstrated.

Preterm delivery risk assessment is performed usually by transvaginal ultrasound evaluation of the cervical length.

Images may be restricted by fetal position or technical ultrasound factors. If adequate images are not obtained, the patient may need to be rebooked for a later scan. QUFW recommends that the morphology scan is booked between 20-22 weeks gestation to facilitate better views for assessment.

Growth Scans (24+ weeks)

Your doctor may refer you for a scan after the morphology scan or in the third trimester to:

  • Assess the fetal growth
  • Assess placental function by evaluating the blood flow between the mother and the fetus
  • Check the position of the placenta
  • Review fetal structures
  • Assess the amount of amniotic fluid around the fetus

Assessment of estimated fetal weight can be made but this can vary up to 10%. The baby may be in a good position for images but at other times it may be very uncooperative.

Multiple Pregnancies

Multiple pregnancies make up about 1.8% of all pregnancies. They occur more frequently with increasing age of the mother as well as with the use of IVF and ovulation induction. Whilst the majority of multiple pregnancies have a good outcome, there are increased rates of complications both for the mother and babies with the commonest complication being premature delivery.

There are 2 types of twins. The most common is when 2 eggs are released and fertilised at the same time. These are known as non identical or fraternal twins also known as dichorionic – diamniotic twin pregnancy (DCDA twins). The less common type of twins is when a single fertilised egg splits several days after conception. These are identical twins. Depending on the timing of the split determines the type of twinning that will occur. The most common of identical twins are monochorionic – diamniotic twin pregnancy (MCDA twins). Monochorionic twins are associated with a higher risk of complications.

Uncomplicated DCDA twins are recommended to have regular growth scans every 4 weeks from 24 weeks gestation.

Monochorionic twins are recommended to have scans about every 2 weeks from 16 weeks to monitor for potential complications that may need further treatment or management.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) & Amniocentesis

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (Amnio) are diagnostic tests available to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) in the unborn baby. These tests are commonly offered to patients who are considered to be at increased risk of chromosomal problems – if the first trimester nuchal translucency screen showed an increased risk, a previous baby had a chromosomal abnormality, the mother is over 35 years of age or they are simply concerned about chromosomal abnormalities.

CVS (12-14 weeks gestation)

CVS can be performed between after 12 weeks. CVS involves inserting a fine needle through the maternal abdominal wall under ultrasound guidance into the uterus in order to obtain a small sample of the placenta (called chorionic villi). Potential complications from the procedure is the risk of miscarriage estimated at 1 in 500 of procedures. In less than 2-3% of cases, the placenta may have mixed normal/abnormal cells (mosaicism) or other rarer abnormalities and an amniocentesis may be indicated to clarify the fetus’s condition.

Please advise when booking if currently taking aspirin or clexane.

Amniocentesis (16+ weeks)

Amniocentesis can be performed from 16 weeks gestation. The procedure involves inserting a fine needle through the maternal abdominal wall under ultrasound guidance into the uterus to the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. A small sample of fluid is withdrawn (about 20mls) which is naturally replenished within 24 hours. The procedure carries a risk of miscarriage, estimated at around 1 in 800.

 

Tertiary or Second Opinion Scans

You may have had an examination at another facility and the report suggest tertiary referral. This means that the doctors at the other facility feel that the findings of their examination require review and referral to an obstetrician who has subspecialised in the assessment of specific obstetric maternal or fetal medical conditions. Your own doctor, general practitioner or obstetrician, may also make that assessment themselves based on what the other imaging practice has reported.

Both of these situations are common reasons for referral to QUFW. Our doctors have been specifically trained for these situations, working in both the private and public health systems to offer our patients the best care.

GYNAECOLOGY

At QUFW, we also specialise in routine and tertiary gynaecology ultrasound scanning. We have the first COGU trained by RANZCOG doctor in Queensland with the subspecialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ultrasound, and sonographers that have a special interest in this area.

Gynaecology Ultrasound

There are many different reasons you may need a gynaecology scan assessment. They may include lower abdominal pain for investigation, ovarian cancer screening, postmenopausal bleeding, ovarian cysts, fibroid mapping, check contraception placement or endometriosis assessment.

Gynaecology ultrasound scans are used commonly in the fertility workup of a patient.

Transabdominal ultrasound scanning requires a full bladder and with the examination performed on the abdomen only. This gives a limited knowledge of potential pathology but is generally used for the adolescent age group, never been sexually active and the extreme age group. It is usually used as preliminary view looking for larger pathology that may not be seen transvaginally.

A transvaginal scan is when an ultrasound probe in the vagina is used to for the examination. This enables our sonographers to gain information about the internal reproductive anatomy but also can be very helpful in the investigation for pain. The detail from a transvaginal scan is usually much better than images obtained transabdominally.

Generally, it is best to scan Day 4- 10 from the first day of your period. Please inform at booking of any latex allergies.

HyFoSy (Hysterosalpingo-Foam Sonography)

HyFoSy is a specialised gynaecology ultrasound procedure used as part of the assessment for fertility. It evaluates the inside of the uterus and the fallopian tubes patency. It can be performed between Day 4 to 10 from the first day of the period. It involves inserting a solution of contrast material (called Exem Foam™) into the uterine cavity and observing the flow within the fallopian tubes. A HyFoSy is accompanied by a full gynaecology ultrasound assessment as comprehensive evaluation.

Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS)

A SIS is a specialised ultrasound procedure used to assess the inside of the uterus. It involves inserting a solution of saline (salt water) into the uterine cavity to better visualise the lining of the uterus and the cavity. The usual time frame for the procedure is Day 4 to 10 from the first day of the period. It is performed in conjunction with a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the pelvis organs.

You may be sent for a SIS to investigate:

  • Fertility issues
  • Recurrent miscarriage
  • Bleeding issues such a postmenopausal bleeding or irregular bleeding
  • Fibroids
  • Polyps

Do you have any questions?

BRISBANE

Suite 11E, Level 1
Leichhardt Court
55 Little Edward Street
Spring Hill, QLD 4000

07 3831 1777
07 3831 1788
brisbane@qufw.com.au

Southport

Level 4,
7 Short St
Southport, QLD 4215

07 5528 2934
07 5528 3849
southport@qufw.com.au

TUGUN

Suite 6C, Level 6
Fred McKay House
42 Inland Drive
Tugun QLD 4224

07 5610 4973
07 5604 1192
tugun@qufw.com.au

IPSWICH

Suite 5B,
10 Churchill Street,
Ipswich, QLD 4305

07 3447 9111
07 3409 9299
ipswich@qufw.com.au