What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound enables us to see your organs, blood vessels and tissue by using high frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside your body. These sound waves create echoes, which are recorded and displayed in real time on a monitor. Ultrasound doesn’t use radiation and is completely safe.

 

Understanding your ultrasound.

Before your scan

  • Before your appointment we will give you an overview of everything you need to know, including any preparation you need to undertake before your appointment. For example, you may need to fast beforehand (avoiding any food in the hours prior), drink water or avoid emptying your bladder before the scan.
  • Please remember to bring your referral form with you if this has not already been sent to us. This contains important information that our team need to provide you with the best possible care.

 

On the day of your scan

  • On your arrival please check in with reception.
  • Your skilled sonographer will ask you questions about your condition, listen to you and make you comfortable.
  • Depending on your scan, you may be asked to remove most of your clothing and change into a gown.
  • The procedure will be explained in detail and your sonographer will answer any questions you have before starting the examination.
  • You will not be permitted to video, record or take photographs during your ultrasound as it is important that your sonographer can concentrate fully without any distractions.
  • Scans typically last between 30 and 45 minutes.
  • There are two types of scan:

External ultrasound

  • The probe is moved over your skin - this is most common for pregnancy, muscles, liver, kidney and other internal organs, and uses a water-based gel to help the scanning probe glide.

Internal ultrasound

  • The scanning probe is inserted into the body. You’ll lie on your back or follow the positioning instructions given by your sonographer. The small probe is inserted gently into the vagina. You may experience slight discomfort, but the procedure should not be painful. You have the option of guiding the transducer in yourself should you wish.
  • Note: We understand that an internal ultrasound can be a personally invasive procedure, so you are welcome to request a female sonographer to perform this scan. Please make this known at the time of booking your appointment.
  • To learn more about ultrasound during pregnancy, please click here.

 

After your scan

  • For the vast majority of ultrasound scans you can get on with your normal day straight after the scan.
  • If you had a biopsy or other procedure where you were given a sedative, you will need to stay at the clinic, or recovery ward for a few hours. You will also need someone to stay with you for the following 24 hours. It’s important that you don’t drink alcohol, drive or operate machinery for 24 hours afterwards.
  • Our radiologists will interpret the results and send a report to your referrer.
  • You can access your images and imaging reports through MyImaging, our patient portal.

Frequently asked questions

Ultrasound is a safe procedure that uses low-power high frequency sound waves to create images of the body. As ultrasound does not require radiation and there are no known risks. Ultrasound has been used since the 1950s and several follow up studies from that time have not shown a link between ultrasound and any negative health effects.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you can’t make your appointment. We always have patients waiting for an appointment so we may be able to fill your appointment slot if we have enough notice. We will reschedule you to a time that will be more convenient for you.

Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two support people with you to your scan.  If you require more than two, please contact us so we can work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. 

If you would like your support person to join you during the scan, please let our team know. Keeping conversations to a minimum helps our sonographer focus and provide you with the best possible care.  

Please note: for some examinations, a support person may not be able to enter the scan room for safety, privacy or clinical reasons. Our team will talk you through this if it applies to your appointment. 

Ultrasound appointments can take some time, and scan rooms are often small and contain specialised equipment. If you need to bring children, please make sure another responsible adult comes with you to supervise them throughout your appointment. Our team will need to focus on your care and cannot supervise children.  

If arranging childcare is difficult, please contact us before your appointment. We will do our best to find an option that works for you, so childcare does not prevent you from receiving care.

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