Mini Anomaly Scan vs. Anomaly Scan – what’s the difference?

Mini Anomaly Scan and Anomaly Scan are ultrasound examinations of fetal anatomy, but they differ in the scope, level of detail, and purpose of the examination.

Mini Anomaly Scan

Mini Anomaly Scan is a targeted and shorter ultrasound examination used to assess the basic anatomical structures of the fetus. It does not replace a detailed anomaly scan, but serves as a supplementary or follow-up examination.

What it includes:
Basic view of the head and brain structures, spine, chest, heart in basic sections, abdomen, stomach, urinary bladder, extremities, amount of amniotic fluid, and placental position.

When it is performed:
Most often between the 18th and 24th week of pregnancy, as a follow-up between examinations or when a quick assessment of findings is needed.

Purpose:
Quick orientation assessment, follow-up of previous normal findings, reduction of maternal anxiety, monitoring of high-risk pregnancy according to the gynecologist’s recommendation.

Anomaly Scan (detailed morphological ultrasound)

Anomaly Scan is a detailed and standardized ultrasound examination of fetal anatomy, in which all fetal organ systems are systematically examined.

What it includes:
Detailed analysis of the brain, face, spine, heart (multiple sections), lungs, abdomen, kidneys, urinary system, extremities, placenta, umbilical cord, and amount of amniotic fluid, with an assessment of symmetry and structural development.

When it is performed:
Standardly between the 20th and 22nd week of pregnancy.

Purpose:
Detection or exclusion of most structural fetal anomalies; a key examination in pregnancy monitoring.

Key differences – summary

Feature                                   Mini Anomaly Scan        Anomaly Scan
Scope of examination                         Basic, targeted                Detailed, systematic
Duration of examination                       Shorter                                Longer
Level of detail                            Orientation-based                    High
Replacement for anomaly scan         ❌ No                              ✅ Yes
Role in pregnancy                       Supplementary / follow-up        Standard examination

Which examination should you choose?

• Mini Anomaly Scan: if the previous finding was normal, for follow-up or quick assessment.
• Anomaly Scan: as a mandatory standard examination in pregnancy, according to guidelines.

In case of an unclear or suspicious finding on Mini Anomaly Scan, a detailed Anomaly Scan is always recommended.

You can book your appointment by calling 01 2321 970 or by filling out the contact form.