Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive and painless examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body's internal structures, such as organs and blood vessels.
A small probe is guided across your body. It sends out high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your organs, and these echoes are turned into images on a screen.
Ultrasounds we perform
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Pregnancy (obstetric)
- Vascular
- Dopplers
- Musculoskeletal
- Small parts
What to expect
- You will be asked to change into a gown, or to move clothing away from the area being examined.
- The sonographer will ask you to lie on the examination bed.
- A warm gel is applied to your skin and the sonographer moves a small probe in different directions to capture the images needed.
- You may be asked to hold your breath or roll onto your side during the scan.
How to prepare
Preparation depends on the type of scan and will be explained when you book.
Upper abdominal ultrasound
- Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before your appointment.
- You may take your medication with a little water only.
- No dairy or caffeine.
Pelvic & obstetric (pregnancy) scan
- You need a full bladder for this scan.
- 45 to 60 minutes before your appointment, empty your bladder and then drink about 1 litre of water (not coffee, tea or fizzy drinks).
- Do not empty your bladder until the examination is finished.
Musculoskeletal, soft tissue & small parts
- No preparation needed.
Vascular / arterial Doppler
- No preparation needed.