Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, painless & radiation free examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures such as organs and blood vessels.
During an ultrasound a small probe is guided across your body which sends high frequency waves into your body. These waves bounce off your organs and create images on the screen.
What to expect during your Ultrasound
- You will be asked to wear a gown or your clothing may be moved away from the region under examination.
- An Ultrasonographer will perform the scan and ask you to lie on the examination bed.
- a warm gel or jelly substance will be applied to your skin and the sonographer will then apply a small probe against your skin and move it in different directions in order to obtain the necessary images.
- You could be asked to hold your breath during the scan and to roll onto either side.
Preparation
An Ultrasound scan may require preparation depending on the scan you are having. This will be communicated with you upon booking your ultrasound.
Upper Abdominal Ultrasound
- Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your scan.
- Only have water to take your chronic medication if required.
- No dairy or caffeine products
Pelvic & Obstetric Scan
- You will be required to have a full bladder for this scan
- 45 to 60 minutes prior to the appointment you would need to empty your bladder and then drink 6 glasses or one litre of water (not coffee, tea or fizzy drinks)
- Do NOT empty your bladder until after the examination or instructed by the sonographer.
Musculoskeletal, Soft Tissue & Small Parts Ultrasound
- All joints/muscles such as knees, shoulders, ankles etc
- Thyroid, Breast, Scrotum
- No Prep required
Vascular/ Arterial Doppler
- Doppler veins & Arteries
- No prep required
ULTRASOUNDS PERFORMED
- ABDOMEN
- PELVIS
- VASCULAR
- DOPPLERS
- MUSCULOSKELETAL
- PREGNANCY
- SMALL PARTS
