Booking a Private Ultrasound Scan with First Encounters

Is the company regulated?

The most important question to answer is, “Is the company regulated, and will my scan be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals with experience of obstetric ultrasound and 4D?”

It's easy to spot a regulated private ultrasound scan provider by checking the company's name against the CQC or HIW register.
Reputable, regulated companies will often display widgets linking to the relevant regulatory body on their website, thereby confirming their current 'approved' status. Regulated providers are required to operate to the highest standards, ensuring a safe experience that's conducted by qualified healthcare professionals who are experienced in the provision of obstetric care.

However, not all qualified sonographers are practised in the art of 4D, and the lack of practical experience required to produce a quality 4D scan can often result in disappointment when the standard of service advertised is not what you receive.

We are proud to say that First Encounters can provide evidence of conforming to a number of regulatory standards, the details of which can be found here. All of our sonographers are carefully-selected individuals who are registered with the Health Professions Council, which means that they reach the required standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

They are highly experienced and practised in the provision of 4D ultrasounds, and are fully committed to producing the best result possible in each unique case.

Is the latest ultrasound equipment being used, and is it safe?

Many ultrasound machines used in small private studios are purchased second-hand and not supplied direct from the manufacturers with the relevant safety certification. If installed incorrectly, such machines have the potential to cause electric shocks, which may be emitted through the probe to your tummy!

It is imperative that isolation transformers are correctly installed to minimise this risk; however, while you may assume that such a safety issue would be routinely assessed as part of the regulatory assessment, such detailed checks are surprisingly not made during inspections. Therefore, this serious safety risk can often remain undetected until it’s too late.

Here at First Encounters, we use the very latest, state-of-the art equipment, which is professionally installed and regularly serviced by the manufacturer. Not only do we provide excellent quality imagery in our private ultrasound scans, but we also ensure that safety risks to you and your baby are eliminated. 

Are scans available from different providers equal and comparable in price?

Each private ultrasound provider will offer a selection of scans relevant to the service required; however, it is important to read between the lines. For example, whilst the emphasis of your chosen scan may be to establish gender depiction or indeed to achieve beautiful 4D souvenir imagery, it is also vitally important that the health and wellbeing of your baby is not dismissed.

Some providers will NOT include reassurance at all, whilst others will offer a verbal wellbeing report.

Here at First Encounters, we provide a written pregnancy report with every scan performed, with an obligation to ensuring that your pregnancy is progressing in line with the advised gestation age. Such evaluation ensures that, should a situation arise, the relevant action can be taken without delay.

Are the facilities satisfactory?

If possible, take a look at the ultrasound clinic you'll be attending before booking your scan. You want your ultrasound experience to be as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible, especially if you're planning to share it with friends and family, so it's a good idea to research the provider's facilities ahead of time. Click here for details on First Encounters' three clinics.

First Encounters is managed by a core family team, who are committed to strong customer service values by ensuring that the service offered at each of our locations meets the same high standards.

Our review page includes testimonials from customers based in a variety of locations, so you can be assured that each of our private ultrasound facilities is highly recommended by those who have visited previously.