FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I pay for a Private ultrasound scan?
You will avoid the lengthy waiting times which could be up to 6 weeks for a routine examination. You will have an unrushed service due to the extra time allocated to each scan. You will have the choice to book a scan in the evenings or at weekends.
What is the difference between 3D and 4D ultrasound?
3D and 4D Ultrasound is the same technology as conventional 2D ultrasound. Conventional ultrasound gives an image in 2 dimensions, 3D as the name suggests gives a 3 dimensional static image.
It is the motion that is described as the fourth dimension hence the term 4D. In other words you can see your baby in three dimensions and see the action taking place live within the womb.
Are there risks involved using 4D ultrasound?
No. 4D scanning is as safe as ordinary ultrasound and the length of our 4D scans are selected for reasons or safety and compliance with professional guidelines.
What do I need to bring with me?
For pregnancy related scans it is ideal if you to bring your hospital notes with you at the time of your appointment. For all other medical scans you are not required to bring anything.
When is the best time to have a 4D ultrasound?
The best time to do a 4D ultrasound is between 26 and 32 weeks.
Depending on gestation and position of baby you will be able to see facial features, shape of mouth, fingers and toes. You will also be able to see them moving in real time, drinking, yawning and smiling. It really is a glimpse into the secret life of the womb.
TWINS
You should try and come earlier between 22-24 weeks gestation, if you are expecting twins.
Do I cancel my hospital scans?
No. You should carry on attending all midwife and scan appointments.
How accurate are gender scans?
No gender scan is 100% accurate. If the baby’s genital area cannot be seen clearly, the sonographer may ask you to take a seat in the waiting area, have a drink, something to eat or have a little walk around outside the clinic. Be aware that the gender determination will be carried out in 2D as standard.
How many guests can I bring with me to the scan?
The clinic has limited space and the scanning room is snug with enough room for yourself and two guests. We are happy for you to bring children with you, but please bear in mind they lose interest quite quickly and this can distract from your enjoyment of the scan.
What experience/qualifications do the staff have?
The sonographer undertaking the scan is fully qualified and registered with the Health Care Professions Council. He has been undertaking ultrasound examinations for many years.
What is the cancellation policy?
24 hours notice of a cancellation is required otherwise a cancellation fee of £ 20 will be charged.
Do we scan children?
We only accept referrals from the GP for children under the age of 18.
Will I get good images?
This all depends on the patient body habitus and position of the baby. The sonographer may have a few tricks to try and coax the baby into a better position but this does not always work.
What if you see something wrong?
Something may be seen on the scan and may require further tests to be done or a follow up scan. The sonographer will discuss this with you and then liaise with the health care professional looking after your care.
Refunds and complaints
We do not offer refunds.
We pride ourselves on our high quality and customer service. However there may be times where you feel that our service has fallen below the standard you expect. We will do our best to resolve the issue.
If you feel in any way that your examination was not satisfactory, or you are unhappy with any part of the process, we must receive your comments within 7 days from your examination date. Initially a phone call made to our clinic explaining the problem and giving some basic information to a member of the office team, if not you can email us at info@islandultrasound.co.uk explaining the situation. The next step will be the sonographer that carried out the examination will be asked to review the report. A thorough investigation will be carried out and a written response returned to you within 3 weeks. We do ask the patient initiates the complaint, as we will only correspond with the patient.
Physical or verbal abuse
Our staff will not be subject to any intimidation nor will any physical or verbal abuse be tolerated. If the staff feel threatened or intimidated then you will be asked to leave or the police will be called. No future bookings will be accepted.
Ultrasound safety
Your scan will be performed by a fully qualified state registered sonographer who is informed on all matters relating to the safety of ultrasound.
We operate to current internationally agreed safety standards issued by British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS). In particular guidelines for thermal and mechanical indices and exposure times for obstetric ultrasound applications must be complied with and the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Acceptable) principle is applied throughout.
This means we will not continue to scan if we have obtained satisfactory images and or measurements of the baby so appointments time vary from person to person.
What indemnity insurance do you have?
We have public liability and medical indemnity insurance.
Rescan policy
Position of baby is important for quality of the scan and the pictures we take. Sometimes a babies face may be against the placenta or facing away from the probe, this can be disappointing.
The sonographer takes pride in your experience and will try their best to achieve the best possible images. We may ask you to go for a walk, have a drink or eat something sugary to try and coax baby into moving.
At this time we do not offer a rescan.