Prenatal ultrasounds are a vital part of monitoring a baby’s development, but up to half of fetal abnormalities can go undetected. A newly FDA-cleared artificial intelligence tool aims to change that by helping doctors catch issues earlier and more accurately. Developed by the U.S. start-up BioticsAI, the software works with existing ultrasound machines to analyse images in real-time and flag potential problems during the scan.
How the AI Enhances Scans
The BioticsAI software instantly reviews each fetal image, checking for clarity and suggesting adjustments to improve visibility. It also ensures all key body parts are captured, alerting the clinician to any missing elements. By comparing images to global data patterns, the AI can detect anomalies such as heart defects or limb malformations. After the scan, it generates a comprehensive report, giving doctors actionable insights while saving roughly eight minutes per patient on documentation.
Addressing Gaps in Prenatal Detection
Major congenital anomalies affect about 24 out of every 10,000 births in Europe. Research from Cochrane, reviewing over seven million pregnancies, shows that a single early ultrasound (11–14 weeks) detects only 38% of birth defects, while a mid-pregnancy scan (18–24 weeks) identifies 51%. Combining both scans improves detection to 84%, but some abnormalities still go unnoticed, highlighting the need for better tools.
AI Solutions Gain Global Momentum
European companies are also developing AI-powered ultrasound tools. French firms Diagnoly and Sonio Detect have received approval for devices that automatically analyse fetal structures and detect heart issues. Innovations like these could give doctors a powerful ally in prenatal care, helping families identify potential problems earlier and plan for interventions when needed.
