Population Screening Act: a nationwide scientific study on the first-trimester anomaly scan – the IMITAS study

Like the 20-week anomaly scan, a 13-week anomaly scan can detect serious abnormalities that are usually described as being ‘incompatible with life’. The pilot population study aims to determine whether the benefits of an early ultrasound scan such as this outweigh the disadvantages. The Committee has assessed the research proposal and concluded that it meets the legal requirements for scientific soundness. The Committee also believes that the risk-benefit ratio is favourable. The Committee advises the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport to grant the permit subject to the condition that the information provided for participants and the consent form are amended.