Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive and does not involve radiation. The Sonographer (ultrasound technician) passes a hand-held piece of equipment (a 'probe') over the skin to make images of internal anatomy. The probe emits very high frequency sound waves (these cannot be heard or felt). The sound waves 'bounce' back, like sonar, from inside the body - and this is what produces the images. Ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool and is often used in obstetrics to support ante-natal care. Ultrasound also produces useful images of the abdominal and pelvic regions, veins and arteries, muscles and tendons

F.A.Q

-F.A.Q: What is an Ultrasound?

-F.A.Q: How long will the ultrasound take?

-F.A.Q: Is an ultrasound safe?

-F.A.Q: Who will perform my ultrasound?

-F.A.Q: How should I prepare for an Ultrasound?

-F.A.Q: What should I expect when having an Ultrasound?

-F.A.Q: When will I get the results of my ultrasound?

-What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive and does not involve radiation. The Sonographer (ultrasound technician) passes a hand-held piece of equipment (a 'probe') over the skin to make images of internal anatomy. The probe emits very high frequency sound waves (these cannot be heard or felt). The sound waves 'bounce' back, like sonar, from inside the body - and this is what produces the images. Ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool and is often used in obstetrics to support ante-natal care. Ultrasound also produces useful images of the abdominal and pelvic regions, veins and arteries, muscles and tendons.

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-How long will the ultrasound take?

Most ultrasound examinations take no more than 30 minutes. Studies of the arteries and veins or Doppler tests may take up to 2 hours. You will be advised when booking in for your scan how long approximately your particular ultrasound will take.

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-Is an ultrasound safe?

There are no known risks associated with an ultrasound scan

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-Who will perform my ultrasound?

Your ultrasound will be performed by one of our team of friendly sonographers. As the sonographer may not always be the same sex as you, you will be offered the opportunity to have a chaperone with you for certain scans.

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-How should I prepare for an Ultrasound?

Depending on the area of the body for which images have been requested, there may be some special preparation requirements. It is a good idea to confirm your preparation instructions when you book your appointment. In some cases, you may be asked to fast for 6 hours prior to you appointment, or asked to drink plenty of water to ensure the bladder is very full. If you are diabetic and your scan requires you to fast, you will need to contact us before hand and one of our medical staff will advise you.

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-What should I expect when having an Ultrasound?

On your arrival for your ultrasound scan, you will firstly complete the registration process with our receptionist and a short questionnaire. Our Sonographer will then bring you to the examination room, ensure that you are comfortable and explain what is going to happen as part of the scan. If you need to take any clothes off for your scan, you will be shown a private changing room / area where you will be asked to put on a gown. You will be provided with a tray to put your personal items into and which you can keep with you.
When you are ready for your scan, the sonographer will place a small amount of warm ultrasound gel on the area to be examined as this helps the probe to pass across the skin smoothly and transmit the sound waves. The Sonographer performs the examination by passing the hand-held probe over the skin. This is normally done slowly and gently but sometimes the sonographer may have to push in firmly to see an area clearly. The Sonographer will view the images on a monitor, and record a number of images and measurements using the viewing machine. The images are reported by a Radiologist after the Ultrasound has been completed. The ultrasound gel is wiped away at the end of the test.

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-When will I get the results of my ultrasound?

If appropriate, the sonographer may discuss the findings with you but in most cases,your doctors will do this. The images captured will be sent to the radiologist who will send the final report to your doctor. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or consultant who will explain your results to you.

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