earlyAssure™

CRL Measurement, Dating of Pregnancy, Visual Heartbeat & Movement, Ectopic Pregnancy Assessment & Yolk Sac Evaluation

Your scan will be conducted using an abdominal ultrasound probe (external on the abdomen), and it is important to recognise that imagery obtained is derived from the reflection of sound waves passing through your abdomen creating the visual image. From 6 weeks gestation your baby is likely to measure approximately 5mm in length, as such the level of diagnostic evaluation and visibility achievable should you attend this type of scan as early as 6 weeks can differ greatly between clients, especially in cases of a high BMI which can result in poor image resolution possibly leading to an inconclusive evaluation. In recognition of this it is preferred to perform this scan from a minimum 8 weeks gestation as it is important to understand that between 6 & 7 weeks, not all elements of this assessment may be achievable, therefore we have indicted in the *Gestation Age Evaluation Criteria the level of diagnostic evaluation that should be achievable within the defined periods. If your pregnancy is less than 6 weeks we cannot guarantee achievement of any of the defined criteria.

Your predicted gestation age should be calculated from the first day of your last period.
1-5 weeks gestation – Nothing visible on an ultrasound scan.
6-7 weeks gestation – Potential Exclusion of Ectopic Pregnancy, Potential Visualisation & Measurement of Gestation Sac.
7-13 weeks gestation - Exclusion of Ectopic Pregnancy, CRL Measurement, Yolk Sac, the number of babies you are carrying , Heartbeat & Movement

Your earlyAssure scan will last for approximately 5 minutes. As an ethical and regulated provider we comply with the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) guidelines, only scanning for as long as it necessitates to achieve the required diagnostic evaluation. Whilst we appreciate longer scan times promoted by other scan companies may seem appealing, the safety and wellbeing of your baby is paramount and should not be compromised.

In the event we identify matters of concern and it is considered a further detailed diagnostic assessment is required, a referral to your NHS GP/Midwife will be provided in accordance with our approved procedures. Referrals to NHS will only be provided when there is justified concern.

In the unlikely event that we are unable to obtain any aspects of the diagnostic evaluation required to fulfil the requirements of the earlyAssure™ scan after we have confirmed the measured gestation age to be in excess of 7 weeks, you will be provided with a complimentary re-scan to be performed at a later date in order that we may conclude our evaluation. T&C's apply.

A multiple pregnancy will require further scan time in order to conduct the detailed assessment of multiple foetus; as such we charge an additional £15 to account for the extended appointment time allocated.

All ultrasound scans are performed by qualified and experienced obstetric Sonographers registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

We would respectfully urge you to consider the diagnostic nature of this type of scan when inviting guests, however during the alert level zero phase of the pandemic we are permitting one adult guest (primary guest) to accompany you into the examination room, with a maximum additional four guests including children (supervised under the age of 16 years) permitted into our new private viewing room where they can view your scan on a large screen with audio without compromising the safety of our Sonograpgher and their assistant. Face masks remain compulsory for all visitors attending the clinic without exception, and during the examination your primary guest must remain seated within the physical distancing zone. Additional family members and children are welcome to view your scan through the window from outside the building, where they can watch the large screen with audio displayed from our private viewing room. Please be aware this guest policy is continually under review during the pandemic and is subject to change at short notice to comply with any Government restrictions imposed.

The diagnostic evaluations obtained whilst conducting the earlyAssure™ scan provide valuable insight into baby’s development and wellbeing, designed to compliment but not replace your NHS Dating/NT (12-14wks). Whilst this scan has a specific purpose, gestation age criteria and defined reporting protocols, our qualified Sonographers have an ethical obligation to highlight, report and refer matters of concern which may be outside the scope/protocols of the performed scan. In some circumstances further NHS evaluation and screening may be required; however the gestation age criteria for such evaluations will be determined by your NHS Antenatal provider.

Arrive with a full bladder as this will assist with magnification of scan imagery. Please do NOT empty bladder prior to scan. Remove any belly piercings in advance of your appointment. We will need to expose your abdomen during the scan, as such please consider wearing a two piece outfit in order that we may respect your dignity.