Ensuring A Safe Ultrasound Experience: Avoiding Unreliable Clinics

When it comes to your ultrasound scan, selecting a reputable clinic is paramount. Numerous media reports highlight the shortcomings of private ultrasound providers, emphasising the risks of misdiagnosis or overlooking abnormalities. A recent BBC investigation uncovered substandard practices in certain baby scan clinics, underscoring the importance of thorough research before opting for a private ultrasound scan.

Understanding Ultrasound

An ultrasound scan offers a glimpse into the womb, assessing the baby's due date, identifying multiple pregnancies, and detecting potential issues. While routine NHS scans are deemed safe, private baby scans have gained popularity, with over 200 studios in the UK providing various services. However, concerns raised by the BBC investigation (in late 2020) cautioned against relying solely on private scans for reassurance.

Key Findings from BBC Investigation

The investigation exposed various issues within the industry, such as the failure to diagnose conditions, excessive scans during low-risk pregnancies, and non-essential 4D scans during lockdown. These practices have prompted growing concern from regulatory bodies like the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Baby Scan Ashford was not part of these concerns and we fully support the CQC in exposing and stopping bad practices tarnishing the reputation of safe and moral private baby scan studios like ourselves.

Addressing Concerns and Symptoms

The investigation revealed instances where women experiencing symptoms were accepted for scans rather than being directed to the NHS. This highlights the need for reliable early pregnancy care. To ensure a safe experience, it is crucial to choose a private clinic wisely.

Choosing a Reputable Clinic

To safeguard your health and that of your baby, consider the following factors when selecting a private ultrasound clinic. Baby Scan Ashford adheres to a strict code of conduct and ALARA guidelines.

CQC Registration - Ensure the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission. Unregistered services may be operating illegally, and their insurance may not cover potential issues.

Types of Services - Understand the types of ultrasound services offered by the clinic, distinguishing between diagnostic and souvenir scans. Diagnostic scans are essential for monitoring health, while souvenir scans focus on creating mementos. Baby Scan Ashford provides non-invasive diagnostic baby scans only with souvenirs only as an extra if desired.

Sonographer Qualifications - Inquire about the qualifications and training of the sonographer. Look for CASE accreditation and check if the sonographer is on the Society of Radiographers' register.

Research the Clinic - Visit the clinic's website for comprehensive information. A reputable clinic should provide details about its services, qualifications, and adherence to guidelines from organisations like NICE, BMUS, RCOG, and SoR.

Conclusions

Prioritising a reputable ultrasound clinic like Baby Scan Ashford ensures a secure and accurate scan experience. At International Ultrasound Services, we uphold stringent standards, boasting experienced sonographers, CQC registration, and adherence to industry guidelines. Choose a clinic that prioritises your safety and follows best practices for a positive ultrasound experience. At Baby Scan Ashford you are sure to only have the very best care and codes of conduct used in your private scan by a qualified and experienced sonographer so you can book online anytime with complete peace of mind.