Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely yes. The service provider, however, must have a recognised clinical framework (correct processes for providing clinical services directly to the public) such as ours in place. All of our ultrasound services comply with guideline recommendations and are maintained to the required standard. You can learn more about how we work here …

Popular reasons for booking a private ultrasound directly are to avoid a long wait for an appointment, having a wider choice of appointment times to choose from and, in some cases, when your particular scan is not available via the NHS locally. In addition, we assign more time to each appointment than the typical hospital equivalent and the results from the vast majority of our scans are given to you on the day.

Provided the ultrasound service on offer is being operated to the required guidelines, there are no contraindications for first line ultrasound scans. Since ultrasound is not an ionising radiation such as x-ray, there are also no known hazardous effects associated with multiple first line scans, again provided the service is operated to recommended guidelines. The safety of diagnostic ultrasound continues to be researched and monitored by the relevant professional bodies.

The HPA published a report in February 2010 and considers that parents-to-be should be aware of "uncertainties regarding ultrasound imaging....." when thinking about 4D scans. All of our 4D scans are professional guideline compliant as reported in our news item from January 2013 .

Any pregnancy scans referred to as "non-diagnostic" should be avoided. It implies that the (diagnostic) ultrasound equipment is not be being used in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines, that the person operating it may not be a health care professional or following their duty of care requirements (i.e. ignoring any incidental findings), may not be professionally insured and are ignoring the fundamental safety guideline set out by the DoH in the UK.

Please go to our clinic receptionist on arrival who will then ask you to read through our consent form and discuss any aspect of your scan before your appointment. You will not need to change into a gown, but please read any pre scan preparations found in the scan descriptions and your booking confirmation. Payments and balances are taken once you have signed the consent form and before the scan.

If you’re looking to make your pregnancy scan a family occasion, our Extended Appointment Scans are great for this. Most clinics can comfortably accommodate 4 guests including children. If you would like to bring more, please contact your chosen clinic when booking to check how many we can accommodate.

A private scan is your choice and our Sonographers will always accommodate guests and partners. It is worth noting that certain scans may involve intimate or internal scanning and we recommend if you require a chaperone that you bring someone you feel comfortable with as there may not be suitable staff available. Also consider who you would feel comfortable with if your results were a medical follow up outcome.

The majority of our scans are carried out by Sonographers. Sonographers usually train first as a Radiographer, then undertake an approved post-registration course. These courses are offered by higher education and as a minimum require 1 additional academic year that prepares them both clinically and academically for this specific area of practice. All practicing Radiographers are regulated by the Healthcare Professions Council. Other types of health care professional who may provide our scans are either suitably experienced Doctors or Sonographer Midwives specifically for pregnancy scans.

During your scan time you will be able to see your images in real time on a large dedicated viewing monitor. Occasionally, you may be asked to lie in a position where this is not possible. During your scan, our Sonographers will explain to you what it is they are imaging.

In nearly all cases your scan results will be given to you at the end of your scan appointment in a clear written format with supporting images. Examples of when this may not be possible are when you need to come back for a re-scan or your scan result needs to be combined with a blood test to determine the outcome (result). You can learn more about how we work here …

If your scan outcome (result) is a medical follow-up recommendation, this will be clearly explained as to why at the end of your scan. You will be given a detailed report including images and, unless you specifically request us not to, a copy report will be sent directly to your GP (whose details we take at the time of booking) within 48 hours.

All legalities and security procedures are in place and your results will not be viewed by any unauthorised person. Your permission is always obtained before we contact your GP if this is a necessary course of action. You may also wish to read our privacy policy here.

As the name implies, it means a “first look” to check for or eliminate very specific conditions and you should always be comfortable in understanding the reasons for having a particular scan. Each of our scan service descriptions explain what we will be looking at during your appointment. If an incidental anomaly not related to your scan specifically is seen during your exam, we still act on our duty of care towards you and report on it. You can learn more about outcomes (results) and how we work here …

Although there is no exact limit or threshold, the image quality of ultrasound is affected by increased body mass index (BMI) and as such may be reported as a contributing factor. Our Sonographers will always do their best to obtain your images and results however, if  we are unable to obtain clear views due to increased BMI, a report will be provided recommending alternative imaging such as CT or MRI.

Most, but not all parts. Currently, ultrasound imaging is not very effective for air or gas filled areas and as such is not usually used on lung or gut. Also, typical diagnostic ultrasound imaging energy levels do not travel well through bone thus excluding practical imaging of the brain.