What is meant by a Level II ultrasound examination?
A level II ultrasound examination refers to a ‘targeted’ examination. This is usually performed at a perinatal center where more expertise in ultrasound scanning is available. Situations when a level II scan is ordered include: suspected fetal anomaly during a level I examination, severe IUGR, elevated maternal-serum AFP, Oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, two-vessel umbilical cord detected at the level I examination, fetal cardiac arrhythmia, and exposure to drugs or chemicals in the first trimester….etc. Detailed scanning for any congenital anomalies and growth abnormalities is done on top of the basic documentations obtained at the level I examination, which refers to: in the first trimester, a. documentation of the location of the gestational sac. b. documentation of the crown-rump length. c. documentation of the presence or absence of fetal life. d. evaluation of the uterus (including cervix) and adnexa. in the second and third trimester, a. documentation of fetal life, number, an
