Information for patients > Services > Ultrasound
Ultrasound scan (US)
Information for patients
It is perfectly understandable to be apprehensive when you arrive for an investigation, but staff at all our sites are kind, friendly, informative and helpful and will help you to feel relaxed and calm. The information below should give you a reasonable idea about how to prepare for your particular type of investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Ultrasound
How should I prepare for an ultrasound scan?
What will happen during an ultrasound scan?
How long is an ultrasound examination?
What is ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves and echoes to build up a picture of the inside of the body. The technique is similar to echo-location used by bats, whales and dolphins or the SONAR used by submarines.
A gel is put on the skin and an ultrasound probe is passed back and forth over the area to be scanned. A computer converts the reflected sound waves into a real-time picture on a screen, which is interpreted by the radiologist or sonographer.
Ultrasound imaging is very versatile and used in a wide variety of clinical specialities including obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, vascular medicine, orthopaedics and sports medicine and in the detection of cancer. Ultrasound is also frequently used to guide interventional procedures.
How should I prepare for an ultrasound scan?
You may be asked not to eat for a few hours prior to your scan, or to arrive with a full bladder depending on the type of scan you are having. You will need to expose the skin over the area to be scanned, so choose clothing which can be easily moved out of the way. Also bear in mind that ultrasound gel is quite messy and may get on your clothing, although it will dry into a powder and easily washes out.
What will happen during an ultrasound scan?
You will be asked to lie or sit on a couch, and the lights in the room may be dimmed so that the pictures on the monitor can be seen more clearly. A gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be scanned (this is an essential requirement to obtain good quality images). You may be required to hold your breath for short periods to enable the required images to be obtained.
If you are having an intimate examination the radiologist or sonographer will describe the procedure to you, and your consent will be sought. There will always be a third person (a “chaperone”) in the room if required.
No. There are no known side affects and ultrasound does not use ionizing (X-ray) radiation. You may resume your daily routine immediately after your scan.
How long is an ultrasound examination?
This is dependent on the type of ultrasound examination to be performed, but scans will usually take no longer than 30 minutes.
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