RUFUS-AFI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Routine Use of Focussed point-of-care-UltraSound in Antenatal Fetal Imaging
IRAS ID
351278
Contact name
Asma Khalil
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Currently, many pregnant women require frequent scans to monitor their baby’s development, especially if they have conditions like diabetes, concerns about the baby’s size, or reduced fetal movements. However, standard ultrasound machines are expensive and require trained specialists to operate them. As demand for scans increases, NHS services are under pressure to keep up.
This feasibility study will look at whether it is possible and acceptable to use hand-held point-of-care ultrasound devices during routine antenatal visits. These smaller, hand-held devices are already in use in some areas of the NHS and may offer a faster, more accessible, and lower-cost option for monitoring fetal growth.
The research will involve 180 pregnant women at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Each participant will receive both a standard scan and a scan using the hand-held device, performed by the same trained clinician. The study will compare how accurate and reliable the results from each method are and gather feedback from women about their experiences.
This research is not testing a treatment and does not change the care patients receive. Its goal is to see whether a larger study comparing these devices in more detail is possible in the future. If successful, POCUS could help NHS maternity services deliver safe and effective care more efficiently and with fewer resources.
The study is being led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and is expected to run over two years.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0942
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion