Safety

Ultrasound imaging is a method of obtaining pictures or images from different organs inside the human body. It involves sending very high frequency sound waves (NOT X-rays) through your body. These sound waves are reflected off your internal organs. The reflections (or echoes) are then processed by a powerful computer that subsequently creates an image on the television screen.

When we scan your baby it will be totally unaware or unaffected by the ultrasound at the machine setting we use. Movement of the baby is usually because we put pressure on your abdomen which moves the fluid the baby lives. This in turn moves the baby.

At Kent Medical Imaging we use GE ultrasound machines as we feel they give us the best images to allow us to provide the high quality service we pride ourselves on. All our machines are regularly checked and serviced to ensure we are providing you with the safest possible service.

In addition to the equipment all our staff are state registered, have a postgraduate qualification or higher in medical ultrasound and have an interest in the field in which they are scanning. 

During your ultrasound scan we ensure the minimum exposure levels are adhered to in compliance with  professional guidelines which can be found at;

                             https://www.bmus.org/policies-statements-guidelines/safetystatements/

Limitations of Ultrasound

Ultrasound does have its limitations which might mean we get limited views of your abdominal organs or your baby. These usually occur if: you have a high BMI, if your bladder is not full enough, if you have a lot of gas in your abdomen, or if you have not followed the preparation you would have been given when booking the appointment.

If you are pregnant we might get limited views of the baby again if you have a high BMI, if your bladder is not full enough and you decline a transvaginal scan or if you have a lot of gas in your abdomen. Also, we may have a problem if the fluid around you baby is reduced, if the face is covered by its hands or feet or if it is looking away from us.  

For any of the above we may need you to come back for a follow up scan and if this is the case KMI usually carries it out ‘free’ of charge.

Ultrasound can only diagnose abnormalities if they are present at the time of the scan. Abnormalities can develop at any time and whilst the ultrasonographers at KMI will be looking for signs of early changes in your organs than cannot predict the future. If you have any concerns about this then please discuss them with the ultrasonographer in the room prior to starting the scan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Advice from Public Health England

Advice from Public Health England at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england on Ultrasound: what it is , how it works and impact of exposure 2012 confirms that there is no clear evidence that 'souvenir scans' such as 3D\4D ultrasound is harmful to your baby providing the scan is carried out by a qualified Ultrasonographer who understands and can ensure compliance with exposure guidance.