Taking care of women's health...

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What is a Gynaecological Scan?

What Gynaecological Scans do you provide?

How is a Gynaecological Scan performed?

Must I have an internal Gynaecological Scan?

What will I see at my Gynaecological Scan?

Must I see my GP or Gynaecologist before having a Gynaecological Scan?

Do I need a referral to have a Gynaecological Scan at your clinic?

When will I receive the results of my Gynaecological Scan?

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What is a Gynaecological Scan?
A Gynaecological Scan is an examination of the female reproductive organs usually (but not always) where the patient is not pregnant.

Confusingly Consultants and Sonographers also classify an internal scan for Early Pregnancy as a Gynaecological Scan.

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What Gynaecological Scans do you provide?
We have three different Gynaecological Scans:

Gynaecological Pelvic Scan
This is a thorough examination of the reproductive organs and is valuable in detecting and assessing many gynaecological conditions.

Ovarian Cancer Screening
This is a specific screening for Ovarian Cancer that includes an ultrasound examination of the ovaries combined with two blood tests that together produce a result known as ROMA. (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm)

Fertility Scans
We also provide lower cost Gynaecological Scans specifically tailored for women who are trying to conceive which we call Fertility Scans.

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How is a Gynaecological Scan performed?
Gynaecological Scans are usually performed internally using a long, narrow, sterile probe that is inserted about 50mm into the vagina. This method is known as trans-vaginal scanning.

Sometimes the sonographer will perform an examination via your tummy, in which case this is known as trans-abdominal scanning.

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Must I have an internal Gynaecological Scan?
No. Not if you don’t want to. However the clearest images are obtained trans-vaginally and the operator will certainly suggest that your examination is performed this way in order to give you the best, most accurate examination.

If for some reason you are unwilling to have your gynaecological scan performed trans-vaginally you will need to drink at least 1 litre of water and wait 1 hour before the scan can be performed trans-abdominally.

This is why we ask that all patients attending for a Gynaecological Scan (or Early Pregnancy or Nuchal Scan) arrive with a full bladder. It’s much quicker to empty your bladder than wait for it to fill up.

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What will I see at my Gynaecological Scan?
A Gynaecological Scan is performed with conventional 2D ultrasound (there is no advantage or greater accuracy in using 3D or 4D ultrasound) so the images that you see may not be immediately recognisable.

Rest assured that our team at The London Ultrasound Centre are all expert gynaecological scanners and are trained to recognise the organs of the female reproductive system.

We are happy to supply images from your Gynaecological Scan to your specialist however Gynaecologists generally aren’t interested in poring over scan images and simply want to read and understand the results of your examination on a medical report.

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Must I see my GP or Gynaecologist before having a Gynaecological Scan?
Yes. If you are in pain or have any unusual bleeding you should consult your GP or Gynaecologist in the first instance.

However many patients come to us first for a Gynaecological Scan and then go on to see their GP or Gynaecologist with our clinical report.

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Do I need a referral to have a Gynaecological Scan at your clinic?
No. You do not need a referral from your GP or Gynaecologist to attend our clinic.

Patients have told us they find it quicker and simpler to have a Gynaecological Scan at our clinic and then see their GP or Gynaecologist for a follow up consultation should the result of the scan require medical attention.

Our patients say that coming to see us first has been useful to rule out any gynaecological complaints before seeing their GP.

We will happily communicate with your GP or Gynaecologist should the result of your scan require medical attention.

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When will I receive the results of my Gynaecological Scan?
The results from your Gynaecological Scan will be available immediately after your appointment.

All data and images from the ultrasound scanner are instantly and digitally transferred to our reporting database. A comprehensive medical report will be prepared with a copy addressed to your GP or Gynaecologist and one to yourself.

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