Ultrasound

London Day Surgery Centre has set up a cutting-edge Ultrasound Service in partnership with leading clinicians, the leading diagnostic imaging firm.  We can now offer the full range of ultrasound examinations including ultrasound for the following purposes:

 

Diagnostic ultrasound
Obstetric & gynaecological ultrasound
Screening ultrasound

 

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging is a method of obtaining pictures or images from different organs inside the human body. It involves sending through and processing the reflections of sound waves inside a person’s body.  These reflections are then processed by special instruments and powerful computers to create a picture of the organs.
The key advantages of ultrasound are that it is quick, in real time and does not involve x-rays or other type of ionising radiation.  As a result, it is particularly useful as a first-line diagnostic tool, and in assessing pregnant women and babies

 

Diagnostic Ultrasound

 

LDSC will be offering the following full range of diagnostic ultrasound examinations:

 

Abdominal, Pelvic & Renal

Gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and abdominal aorta
Urinary tract
(Includes supra-pubic, transvaginal, and transrectal scans)

 

Musculo-skeletal

All joints including axilla, hip, shoulder and wrist

 

Small Parts

Testes, thyroid, neck and parotid gland

 

Vascular

Arterial and Venous Doppler and Duplex scanning

This service is accessed by a referral from any medical professional.  Referrals can be made either via a bespoke referral form available from LDSC or by a letter addressed to the Centre.

 

Obstetric & Gynaecological Ultrasound

 

LDSC’s ultrasound service is an accredited ultrasound service which offers a full range of obstetric and gynaecological examinations to track mother and baby well-being from pre-pregnancy to birth.

 

Our Examinations

 

6-18 Weeks: Foetal Viability and Dating Assessment, £100

This scan is used to confirm the viability of the pregnancy i.e. to check the presence of the baby's heartbeat and check that the baby is in the uterus.  Gross abnormalities, and the number of babies, may be detected at this stage, but an in-depth review (Anomaly Assessment) can only be performed after 18 weeks (see below).

 

A measurement of the baby is taken from its head to bottom (crown to rump up to 14 weeks) to establish the gestational age of the baby, and thus the expected date of delivery. After 14 weeks this is calculated by head measurements.  On occasions, we may need to perform an internal trans-vaginal scan to give a clearer image.

 

You are advised to attend with a full bladder, or arrive early and take on liquid.  You will take 2D black and white images with you.

 

11-13 Weeks: Nuchal Assessments, £200.00 (£100 without the blood test)

The purpose of this assessment is to estimate the risk of Down’s Syndrome (a chromosomal abnormality).  This is done, initially, by measuring the amount of fluid at the back of the neck of the foetus.  This measurement gives an indication of the risk, which can be further refined with a blood test.  The assessment is usually performed through the abdomen, but occasionally the view may not be clear enough and it may need to be performed via the vagina.  Again, patients are advised to attend with a comfortably full bladder, and a 2D black and white image is supplied.

 

18-24 Weeks: Foetal Anomaly Assessment, £200

This assessment uses the capabilities and safety of an ultrasound scan to give the new baby a full check-up.  Though nothing is guaranteed to be 100% accurate, it is the first real opportunity to assess the baby’s organs and well-being.  It is a detailed review of the baby’s anatomy, including the head, spine, heart, and kidneys.  We will also check if the baby has a cleft palate, and assess the placenta and liquid surrounding the baby. 

 

This examination is best done in a stress-free environment such as the LDSC, and can take 45 mins to 1 hour.  This will give you the opportunity to ask questions, and discuss the findings.  Further referral and follow-up may be necessary.

 

24 – 42 Weeks: Foetal Wellbeing, £200

This scan, performed after the foetal anomaly scan, provides a comprehensive assessment of the baby's overall development and growth.   We will check the placenta, the volume of fluid around the baby, the blood flow through the cord and the measurements of the baby's head, abdomen and femur.  These will give an indication of the development and weight of the baby.  This serves as a second check for development issues.

 

This examination is best done in a stress-free, environment where time and technology are on your side.  This examination may take up to 45 minutes, and patients are reminded to bring their notes with them.

 

24 – 42 Weeks: Foetal Gender Scan, £100

Gender scans are performed to determine the sex of the baby.  Again, this assessment, though not foolproof, is correct in the vast majority of cases.  Please note that we will not conduct this examination if the baby is under 24 weeks.

 

35 – 42 Weeks: Foetal Presentation Scan, £100

This scan identifies if the baby is breech (head up) or cephalic (head down).  This is most useful shortly before due date, and will give a good indication of the presentation of the baby at delivery.  This examination should take less than 30 minutes, and 2D images will be supplied.

 

For best results, this scan should be done between the 24th and 32nd week of pregnancy.  This will take around 45 minutes, and you will be able to take digital photos and a recording of the baby.

Screening Ultrasound

 

Given its speed and safety, ultrasound is a good tool for people seeking reassurance about a number of medical conditions.  LDSC’s Ultrasound Service provides screening for conditions including aortic assessment (for the possibility of aortic aneurysm), ovarian assessment (cancer), testicular assessment (cancer).

 

Leading specialists

At LDSC, we have assembled a panel of the leading radiologists (doctors who interpret the results of the examinations) and sonographers from the NHS hospitals in the area.  Your examinations will be interpreted by a specialist with expertise in that clinical area; and we encourage doctors to request their chosen specialist.

 

Referring to the Centre

 

LDSC accepts both referrals from doctors, and midwives.  Direct requests for examinations are only accepted for obstetric and screening examinations.  If we find anything of clinical significance, we will seek your permission to send a report to your doctor/ mid-wife.  We suggest that you keep your doctor or mid-wife informed of your examinations with us.