There is a growing trend of expectant worrying mothers to want to purchase an ultrasound scanner to monitor their babies progress. There are multiple ultrasound scanners that can be purchased on eBay for as little as £500. Some of them are even promising 3D images.Is it a good idea purchasing an ultrasound scanner to perform your own ultrasound scans though?
Let's consider how sonographers getting trained in the safety of ultrasound and the safety of the purchased ultrasound equipment.
Sonographers will start their careers as radiographers, midwives or doctors. After a few years working on their chosen profession and after they have gained enough experience they will do postgraduate studies in diagnostic ultrasound that can last up to 3 years.
While they are studying the theory, they do supervise practical sessions to learn to scan and understand and recognize the normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances.
So ultrasound scanning is not as simple as buying an ultrasound machine that you press the button and do the scan. It requires theoretical and intense practical training. Sonographers had to complete a large number of supervised examinations before they are allowed to scan independently.
So... how do you know what are you looking at? How do you know that what you are looking at, is normal or abnormal? How do you know that the ultrasound image is the foetal heart and not a pulsating blood vessel?
Misidentification of the foetal anatomy can increase maternal anxiety and cause unnecessary distress.
Sonographers also learn how to minimize ultrasound exposure especially to the foetus in early pregnancy.
Ultrasound scans are a safe diagnostic modality and it is the first line examination of choice for pregnant mothers either to check their baby or check for any other systematic maternal abnormality. It is well documented that there are mechanical and thermal effects related to the strength and density of the ultrasound scan beam. Your physio is using therapeutic ultrasound to heal tissue damage on the shoulder for example.
Sonographers are well aware of these effects and know how to minimize them. They know what the TI and MI abbreviations at the top of the ultrasound screen mean.
Most of the cheap ultrasound machines come from China and although some of them have CE kite mark that means that they passed strict EU testing, and they are allowed to be sold in the European Union for human use, you still are not sure if the scanner is safe.
Normally and ultrasound scanner needs to be mechanically and electrically checked before it can be used on a client. This is to make sure that nothing went wrong during the manufacturing process or during transit.
To summarize: it takes time to learn and perform ultrasound scans competently; ultrasound scanners are safe in trained hands; ultrasound equipment can suffer from faults and inconsistencies. It is therefore recommended using a CQC registered ultrasound scan provider instead of purchasing your own ultrasound scanner to perform your own ultrasound scans.
At Sonoworld Diagnostic Services Ltd take your and your baby's safety and welfare very seriously. Our sonographers work for the NHS and have years of knowledge and experience in ultrasound scanning.
You can now book a baby scan in our clinic for as little as £99.
If you, however, you decide to purchase an ultrasound scanner, please avoid eBay and use a reputable seller. J n J ltd has a range of portable ultrasound scanners for sale and offers after-sales support.
Private Ultrasound Scan in London
Sonoworld provides competitively priced private London ultrasound scans so that you can achieve early diagnosis without the long NHS waiting lists.
We are able to offer you:
Private Pregnancy Ultrasound Scans
We offer a large range of private pregnancy ultrasound in London starting with the early pregnancy scan at 5 weeks gestation and other complimentary scans throughout your pregnancy including gender scan, growth scan, reassurance scans.
We offer a same day private pregnancy scan service to provide you with peace of mind and quick reassurance about your pregnancy and your baby.
We also offer a range of 3D and 4D bonding scans for parents who want to meet their baby early. Our sonographers are fully qualified and comply with all the professional safety guidelines.
How much are private scans?
The price you'll pay for a private ultrasound scan will depend on the type of scan you want an appointment for. Our prices are competitive starting from as low as £99. There are no hidden extras and the price you see is the price you pay.
Book an Appointment
We offer evening and weekends appointments. You can choose the most suitable time and day by visiting our online booking diary. If for any reason you can not find a suitable ultrasound scan appointment please contact us via e-mail or phone.
Private Pregnancy Scans - London
We offer a large range of private pregnancy scans in London starting with the early scan at 5 weeks gestation and other complimentary baby scans throughout your pregnancy including gender scan, growth scan and reassurance scans.
We offer a same day private pregnancy scan service to provide you with peace of mind and quick reassurance about your pregnancy and your baby.
We also offer a range of 3D and 4D bonding scans for parents who want to meet their baby early. Our sonographers are fully qualified and comply with all the professional safety guidelines.
Looking for a Private Ultrasound Scan in London?
You are in the right place if you are looking for a private ultrasound in London. At Sonoworld Diagnostics we offer an extensive range of private ultrasound scans in a convenient central London location next to Harley Street.
We offer same day and out of hours private ultrasound scan appointments in days and times to suit your busy schedule.
Our consultant sonographers are very experienced in the field of diagnostic medical ultrasound so you can rest assured that your health is in good hands. We use the latest ultrasound diagnostic equipment to increase diagnostic accuracy. Sonoworld Diagnostics has been providing ultrasound scan services to the NHS and private sector since 2012 and therefore is well established in the field of medical ultrasound.
At our London ultrasound clinic, we are able to offer you private ultrasound scans in a clean and comfortable environment without the wait associated with the ultrasound scans provided by the NHS.
Why choose us for your private London ultrasound scan?
Sonoworld Diagnostic Services is registered with the CQC and has been trusted by the NHS and private sector since 2012 to provide unparalleled diagnostic ultrasound scan services. Our clients include healthcare professional such as GP's and consultant radiologists. This is because our clients know that at Sonoworld will get the best ultrasound scan service with no compromise in diagnostic accuracy or the level of service.
How much are private scans?
The price of a private ultrasound scan will depend on the type of ultrasound scan you need. Our prices are competitive starting from as low as £99. There are no hidden extras and the price you see is the price you pay.
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