What Is a Tiffa Scan And Why Every Expecting Parent Must Know About It?

During pregnancy, a TIFFA scan, also known as Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies Scan, is used to check the fetus' growth and anatomy. A TIFFA scan is also known as fetal anomaly scans or level 2 ultrasounds, and is often conducted during the second trimester, between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy to examine congenital anomalies. Let's learn more about the TIFFA scan and its significance for a healthy pregnancy. 

What is a TIFFA Scan?  

The TIFFA scan full form is Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies. During the second trimester of pregnancy, this fetal anomaly scan is often considered the most important test! This scan provides a detailed examination of your baby and uterus, and the primary purpose of the TIFFA test is to establish that your baby is developing normally and to investigate the exact location of the placenta. 

TIFFA scans provide a thorough view of the fetal abnormality, allowing clinicians to identify anomalies or flaws, and in the event of twin pregnancy, a Tiffa scan is especially critical. In the event of twin pregnancy, mothers and twins may have issues such as sharing the amniotic sac or placenta, which can result in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) or development discrepancies. The results of this scan help your doctor make the correct medical decisions for the duration of your pregnancy.   

What does a TIFFA Scan Detect? 

Your doctor will receive correct information on the factors mentioned below from the TIFFA scan result analysis. 

• Examine your baby's spine and rib cage to determine bone alignment and skin development. 
• Check the kidneys to see whether urine is being produced. 
• Check the baby's heart to ensure that the valves function properly with each pulse and that the atria and ventricles are the same size. 
• The size, shape, and structure of the brain are utilized to identify any potential issues. 
• Checking for proper development in the baby's hands and feet. 

The form of your baby's face, including any anomalies, such as a cleft lip. 

A TIFFA scan aims to detect congenital abnormalities, including major congenital heart problems and spina bifida or open spinal cord. Anencephaly, or the absence of the top half of the brain, has a 99% detection rate through TIFFA, and Down syndrome has a 50-60% detection rate. TIFFA scan report analysis can also uncover substantial renal issues such as aberrant or absent kidneys, a faulty abdominal wall, a defective diaphragm, and significant limb anomalies. 

If the TIFFA scan result corresponds to the expected growth of a 20-week-old fetus, that means the baby is growing healthily, however, if the scan result and the fetus's expected growth differ by more than two weeks, the doctor will request more testing.  

The Step-by-Step Process of the Scan 

The TIFFA scan is a comprehensive ultrasound examination, and below are the steps followed during a TIFFA test: 

• Preparation - In general, no additional preparation is necessary for a TIFFA scan, however, clinics request that the mother arrive with a full bladder to increase visualization of the pelvic organs. 
• Process - During the scan, the mother rests on an examining table and has a transparent gel put to her abdomen, this gel helps to transfer ultrasonic waves through the skin. 
• Ultrasound Transducer - A portable instrument known as an ultrasound transducer is moved over the abdomen, and as the transducer transmits sound waves into the body, it bounces off the fetus and produces a picture on a display. 
• Examination - The sonographer, the technician who performs the ultrasound, or a fetal medicine expert will thoroughly check various regions of the fetus during the test. They will examine the brain, spine, face (including the lips and nose), heart, stomach, kidneys, limbs, and other structures to detect abnormalities in the fetus and check for correct growth. 
• Duration - The scan normally takes between thirty and sixty minutes, depending on how readily the needed images of the fetus are obtained. 

The best thing is, TIFFA scans are non-invasive and safe for both the mother and the fetus! It is critical in prenatal treatment because it provides key information on fetal health and development, which allows the parents to plan ahead of time for medical needs.  

What Are the Benefits of a TIFFA Scan?  

The TIFFA Scan is an absolutely important scan that provides a complete picture of your fetus's health, growth rate, and present development, and it is also non-invasive and painless. This ultrasound scan has various advantages as it provides numerous important advantages for both medical professionals and the pregnant woman.  

• Early Detection - The scan detects probable fetal abnormalities and structural disorders, which allows for timely medical intervention or management. 
• Medical Decision Making - If an abnormality is discovered, healthcare experts can provide advice, treatment alternatives, and personalized care plans for your baby. 
• Preparation - In situations of fetal defects, parents can then plan emotionally and financially for the care their baby may require after delivery. 
• Continuity of Care - The information acquired from the TIFFA scan adds to the entire prenatal care plan to ensure a thorough and well-informed approach until the birth of the baby. 

Preparation for the TIFFA Scan  

The TIFFA scan is performed in the second trimester of pregnancy, when the baby's abdomen has matured enough to be scanned, the results not only provide information on any anomalies in the fetus, but also helps parents with bonding with the unborn child. It can also provide parents peace of mind when the test result shows that the fetus is growing just as expected!  

These are the basic steps to take when you prepare for a TIFFA scan:   

• Drinking lots of water before the scan - The TIFFA scan requires bladder scanning, so you have to drink lots of water before the ultrasound process to assist the sonographer see the fetus clearly.  
• Allergy - The TIFFA scan needs you to put a gel on your stomach, so doctors must be aware whether you are allergic to latex or ultrasound gel. 
• Clothing - Because the stomach area is scanned, you must dress accordingly in a two-piece clothing to make the process easier.  

Conclusion 

TIFFA scans are the most frequent form of ultrasound scan in the second trimester, between 18-20 weeks, of your pregnancy. This scan is performed to check the major external and internal organs of the fetus, allowing the doctor to monitor the fetus's progress. The TIFFA scan has the potential to improve the identification of prenatal abnormalities and is perfectly safe for both the baby and the mother. 

For a TIFFA scan, contact Pathkind Labs today! This modern lab offers the scan at a very reasonable TIFFA test price, and the most expert technicians perform the scan. With their modern technology in the lab setting, there is no room for error, and you receive the best results during the scan.