Abstract
Fetal biometry plays an important role in every woman's antenatal care. As clinical decisions are based on these measurements it is imperative that standards are kept high and all departments use standardised charts. Thus minimising inaccurate diagnoses in fetal dating and growth estimation, which may have serious consequences for fetal well being.
Standardisation of fetal biometry was assessed by circulating a postal questionnaire to superintendent sonographers in 121 hospitals within the Thames regions.
The main aims were to determine whose charts were in use and the measurement techniques employed; to investigate the impact of more recently published charts; and to study other related issues.
A 49% response rate was achieved. Results demonstrated a lack of standardisation in the use of all charts for fetal biometry, with the exception of the crown rump length charts. A number of discrepancies were noted in the measurement techniques employed, when compared to the charts in use. These findings are discussed in relation to clinical practice.
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