Q1: Why should I choose to have my keepsake ultrasound performed at the Geddes Imaging Center?
A1: Three simple reasons:
We use the state-of-the-art GE Voluson 730 to complete all keepsake ultrasound scans. Nothing compares to the GE Voluson 730 in terms of image capture capabilities and quality.
All scans are performed by RDMS-certified sonographers, sonologists, or licensed medical practitioners with several years of experience in performing ultrasound scans. Experienced sonographers help ensure your safety and help ensure that the very best images are obtained.
We provide the very best keepsake ultrasound service and packages available. Sure, it starts with the machine and the sonographer. However, it doesn't end there, we go out of our way to provide quality CD's, video tapes, print images, music and other special personal touches that make a difference in every keepsake package we deliver. (Back to Top )
Q2: What are clients and others saying about their experience with a Geddes Keepsake?
A2: One prospective father said "Seeing our baby was so exciting! It gave me such a dose of reality, and wonder. I finally understood for the first time what it felt like to be a father, and it was incredibly good."
One mother commented "She was smiling and yawning and sticking her tongue out. I didn't realize the baby moved around so much inside of me. I always thought she was just laying there. I never would have imagined she would have such a little personality already". (Back to Top )
A3: Clients who have had a traditional 3D keepsake ultrasound and then come to the Geddes Imaging Center for a 4D keepsake ultrasound tell us that there is no comparison and that they wish they had not taken the time or spent the money to obtain traditional 3D images.
Unlike traditional 3D ultrasound where one image is captured every 2 to 10 minutes, 4D ultrasound captures 2 to 4 images per second, providing live motion views of the baby. Further, traditional 3D ultrasound does not capture a good image unless the baby is still or not moving. In 4D ultrasound, some of the most precious images are captured when the baby is moving.
Clients love to see the yawns, hand movements and related activity. Many clients leave with these precious movements stored in high resolution digital files, to be enjoyed for years to come. (Back to Top )
Q4: Does every client receive images like the ones on GE's commercials?
A4: Unfortunately not every keepsake ultrasound session produces images likes the ones we see on the GE commercials. Because we use the best imaging technology available coupled with RDMS-certified sonographers we feel you have the best chance of obtaining quality keepsake images by having your keepsake ultrasound completed at the Geddes Imaging Center. We do our best, for every client, to obtain the very best images possible.
Regarding image quality, the following factors, outside of our control, impact the quality of the images:
Position of the baby. The baby's position has the greatest impact on image quality. Many babies seem to know that mom wants a nice set of images, so they cooperate with lots of open face views, smiles and yawns. Others however, hide behind feet, hands and the placenta. Some are positioned with their face right against the uterine wall, maybe a little too anxious for those first images. Some babies face the mother's spine giving us a great view of their back, we are not sure if this means they are camera shy, even so, a profile of the face may be all that is seen. If your baby is not in a good position our certified RDMS sonographers will use appropriate approved procedures to encourage the baby to change position.
Tissue density. Since ultrasound waves must pass through the skin and uterine wall to reach the baby, the composition and thickness of skin tissue and the uterine wall can impact image quality.
Amniotic fluid levels. The amount of fluid surrounding the baby can also impact image quality.
Our experienced RDMS-certified sonographers will do their best to obtain the clearest images possible. (Back to Top )
Q5: Is it safe? Are there any risks to me or my baby?
A5: The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has issued the following statement regarding the safety of ultrasound:
"There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures from diagnostic ultrasound instruments. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicate that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present."
A6: The keepsake ultrasound session will last between 15 to 25 minutes. (Back to Top )
Q7: How far along should I be before I have a keepsake ultrasound?
A7: If you plan on having only one keepsake ultrasound examination, we would recommend having the examination performed between the 28th and 34th week of the pregnancy. Many mothers obtain more than one keepsake ultrasound and have images to enjoy from their first, second and third trimester. (Back to Top )
Q8: Can I bring my family and friends?
A8: Yes. In fact, we encourage our clients to invite family and friends to attend the keepsake ultrasound session. This is a joyous and wonderful experience, one that can be shared with your family and loved ones. (Back to Top )
Q9: Are you able to tell the sex of the baby?
A9: Yes, we can provide an indication of the sex of the baby. This is one of our specialties and something our sonographers are very good and experienced at doing. (Back to Top )
Q10: Is the keepsake ultrasound covered by insurance?
A10: At this point, we are not aware of any insurance company that will cover the costs of a keepsake ultrasound. Even so, we encourage our clients to check with their insurance company in case a policy change allows for the completion of a keepsake ultrasound covered by insurance. (Back to Top )
Q11: Who performs the ultrasound?
A11: We use RDMS-certified sonographers, sonologists, or licensed medical practitioners to complete all ultrasound examinations. RDMS is a certification sponsored by the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) and is the most widely accepted sonographer certification in the medical profession.
Individuals who operate the ultrasound equipment are called sonographers. Not every sonographer is properly trained and certified to operate the machine. Current laws that govern the use of ultrasound equipment do not require that trained and certified sonographers operate the equipment. Therefore, many organizations that provide ultrasound services do not use RDMS-certified sonographers. Mothers who want the comfort and safety of knowing a fully trained professional is performing their ultrasound examination should select the Geddes Imaging Center or a similar organization that use RDMS-certified sonographers for every examination. (Back to Top )
Q12: What kind of ultrasound equipment do you use to perform keepsake ultrasounds?
A12: We use the state-of-the-art GE Voluson 730 to complete all ultrasound examinations, as seen in the GE television commercial and many printed articles from around the world. This machine is the best 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound machine available. Please note, many organizations claim to use "state-of-the-art" equipment, when in fact they use older or inferior technology. (Back to Top )
Q13: Why do I need a doctor's prescription?
A13: There are several reasons why a doctor's verbal order or written prescription is required prior to the completion of a diagnostic or Geddes Keepsake ultrasound.
We feel it is a point of professionalism and acknowledges the role your doctor has in overseeing and caring for your medical needs. For this reason we require your doctor's involvement through an order or prescription for our services. This guideline has been in place since the first day we opened our doors to provide keepsake ultrasound services. (Back to Top )
Q14: How do I get my doctor to refer me for a keepsake ultrasound?
A14: If you would like to have a keepsake ultrasound from the Geddes Imaging Center, please let us know and we will assist you in obtaining a referral from your doctor. (Back to Top )
Q15: Why would I want my images to be saved on a CD?
A15: Images stored on a CD are done so in a digital format that will not deteriorate over time, unlike printed images. Further, CD's are non-magnetic and are not prone to file damage that can occur to images stored on a floppy disk. Kept in the right environment, CD's are estimated to have a shelf life of 25 years or more.
Clients who store their CD's in a safe, secure environment and who backup their images to another CD or similar technology, help ensure access to all the images on the CD for many years to come.
If a printed keepsake image is destroyed or turns yellow over time, the image can be accessed on the CD and reprinted in it's original resolution.
Clients want the images stored on a CD so that they have access to the original digital images that were created during the keepsake ultrasound session. They can reprint favorite images as many times as needed, they can send copies of the images to family and friends over the Internet and they can backup the images to help ensure access to their precious keepsake over the years. (Back to Top )
Q16: So what can I do with the images on my Geddes Keepsake CD?
A16: The images on your CD, provided under the Geddes Keepsake Gold Package, include one or more of the following; high resolution 4D AVI file, 3D rotational, high resolution Jpeg and BMP images. What a client does with these images is only limited by the client's imagination. Here are a few things we know other client's have done with their images:
Emailed selected images from the CD to family and friends.
Placed selected images on an Internet web site.
Placed images in a MS PowerPoint presentation to be shown during a baby shower or family reunion.
Print images from the CD for invitations to a baby shower.
Print images from the CD for scrapbook purposes.
Place printed images from the CD for a baby book of remembrance.
Copy selected images from the CD to another computer for back-up purposes.
Print images and frame them to place on the walls at home.
Emboss images on a mouse pad, T-shirt and cups to share with friends and family.
Using other applications, some clients have re-rendered the images in different colors, changing the contrast and brightness. They look great in black and white and just about any other color. These are full digital, high resolution images and can be cropped, edited, cut and pasted as needed.
A17: Yes, these are full digital images. Using a number of different software applications the contrast, brightness and hue of each image can be adjusted. You can see some of the images on our web site where we have changed the brightness and contrast of the images.
If you would like your images recorded in a different color, please let the sonographer know before the start of your exam and we will make the change before acquiring your keepsake images. (Back to Top )
Q18: How can I pay for my keepsake ultrasound examination?
A18: Payment for our services can be made through any of the following methods.
Cash, Personal checks, Master Card, Visa, Debit Cards associated with Visa and Master Card. (Back to Top )
