Merrion Ultrasound in Dublin welcomes all pregnant patients without a referral letter, regardless of whether they are registered with the National Maternity Hospital. Appointments are strongly recommended — bookable by phone at 01-637 4060 or via info@merrionultrasound.ie — though daily emergency scan slots are also available. Patients more than 7 weeks pregnant should arrive with a full bladder, as it serves as an acoustic window to improve image quality, while those under 7 weeks will undergo a transvaginal scan instead. If a concern is identified during a scan, a follow-up with a fetal medicine specialist can typically be arranged within 24 hours, with onward care available at the National Maternity Hospital.
- Merrion Ultrasound is open to all patients regardless of whether they are registered with the National Maternity Hospital, though follow-on care can be arranged with NMH.
- A referral letter is not required for pregnancy ultrasound scans at Merrion Ultrasound, but one is required for gynaecological scans.
- Merrion Ultrasound can be contacted by phone on 01-637 4060 or by email at info@merrionultrasound.ie to arrange a scan appointment.
- The clinic operates Monday to Friday, with extended evening hours on Tuesday and Wednesday until 7.30pm, and is closed on weekends.
- Patients attending Merrion Ultrasound may bring 1 accompanying person, and scans are displayed on a 42-inch screen for easy viewing.
- Patients who are less than 7 weeks pregnant may empty their bladder before a scan, as a transvaginal scan will be performed at that early gestational stage.
- Approximately 15% of scans at Merrion Ultrasound require repeating, and urgent follow-up with a fetal medicine specialist can typically be arranged within 24 hours.
As this is a medical examination, we kindly ask that children do not attend ultrasound scan appointments. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your co-operation.
Here we answer some of the most common pregnancy scans questions:
Q. Can anyone attend Merrion Ultrasound?
Q: Do I need a referral letter?
Q: Do I need to have an appointment?
A: Merrion Ultrasound does provide daily emergency scan services, however, in order to eliminate your waiting time it would be preferable to contact the clinic on 01-637 4060 or e-mail us at info@merrionultrasound.ie so that we can arrange a suitable time for you.
The clinic is open:
Monday 8am-4.30pm
Tuesday 8am- 7.30pm
Wednesday 8am- 7.30pm
Thursday 8am- 5.30pm
Friday 8am-4pm
Saturday- Closed
Sunday -Closed
Q: Can I bring someone along for the scan appointment?
A: Yes, a partner/friend/relative or sibling can accompany you to your appointment and we encourage our patients to bring someone along. Your scan is available on a 42” screen for easy viewing for you and your chosen family member/friend.
Please note that you can bring only one person.
Q: Can I empty my bladder before the scan?
Q: What happens if a problem is detected on scan?
Most problems that need repeat scanning are not serious and approximately 15% of scans will need to be repeated for one reason or another. Follow-on medical care can be arranged at the National Maternity Hospital if you so wish.
Do you have a question?
Email info@merrionultrasound.ie and we would be delighted to answer your query.
If you would like to know more about any of the subjects please choose from the links below – these pages include videos presented by a consultant, and written information.
DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
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Do I need a referral letter for a pregnancy scan at Merrion Ultrasound?
A referral letter is not required for pregnancy ultrasound scans at Merrion Ultrasound. However, a referral letter is necessary for gynaecological scans.
Who can attend Merrion Ultrasound for a pregnancy scan?
Everyone is welcome to attend Merrion Ultrasound for ultrasound services, regardless of whether they are a patient of the National Maternity Hospital. Follow-on care with the National Maternity Hospital can be arranged if needed.
Can I bring someone with me to my pregnancy scan appointment at Merrion Ultrasound?
Yes, one partner, friend, relative, or sibling is welcome to accompany you to your appointment. Your scan is displayed on a 42-inch screen for easy viewing by both you and your guest.
What are the opening hours of Merrion Ultrasound?
Merrion Ultrasound is open Monday 8am–4.30pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 8am–7.30pm, Thursday 8am–5.30pm, and Friday 8am–4pm. The clinic is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Should I have a full bladder for a pregnancy ultrasound scan?
If you are more than 7 weeks pregnant, you should not empty your bladder before the scan, as a full bladder acts as an acoustic window to improve image quality and baby position. If you are less than 7 weeks pregnant, you may empty your bladder, as the sonographer will perform a transvaginal scan at that early stage.
What happens if a problem is detected during a pregnancy scan at Merrion Ultrasound?
If a problem is suspected, you will be informed at the time of the scan and may be asked to return for a further scan and discussion with a fetal medicine specialist, which can usually be arranged within 24 hours if urgent. Approximately 15% of scans need to be repeated for one reason or another, and most issues requiring repeat scanning are not serious.
Does Merrion Ultrasound offer emergency pregnancy scans without an appointment?
Merrion Ultrasound does provide daily emergency scan services. However, contacting the clinic in advance by phone at 01-637 4060 or by email at info@merrionultrasound.ie is recommended to arrange a suitable time and reduce waiting.