The Perinatal Institute has recently carried out an audit of referrals for growth scans in 2004. It aimed to address the concerns expressed by some members of the Regional Ultrasound Group about the impact on workload for ultrasound departments, following the introduction of customised growth charts.

The two key findings of the audit were:

• The majority (82%) of referrals for growth scans, based on fundal height measurements, were appropriate according to the regional guidelines.

• New referrals for growth scans comprised 5.5% of the obstetric scans.

Click here for the full results of the audit.