Ultrasound
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging is an examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live-feed images of your internal organs and soft tissues. Because this imaging procedure uses no radiation, we use it to assess the health of foetuses.
We also use ultrasounds to examine the heart and blood vessels, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, etc. They are also used during interventional procedures such as ultrasound-guided biopsies.
Types of Ultrasounds
Here are the different types of Ultrasounds:
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Pelvic Ultrasound Imaging
- Transabdominal Ultrasound
- Transvaginal Ultrasound
- Obstetric Ultrasound Imaging
- Carotid and Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound Imaging
- Liver Ultrasound
- Renal Ultrasound
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Thyroid Ultrasound
Reasons you could be referred for an Ultrasound
- View/ Monitor the uterus/baby during pregnancy
- For guidance during tumour treatment or biopsy
- Early detection of prostate/breast problems
- Monitor internal organs (thyroid/gallbladder)
What to expect during your Ultrasound
- You will be asked to lie down on a table, and the sonographer or radiologist will apply a clear gel-like substance that might be a little cold at first over the area being examined.
- An ultrasound device consists of a monitor and an attached transducer(probe). The transducer releases sound waves over the body part being examined.
- The information from these sound waves is sent back to the monitor and displayed on the screen as a live-feed video.
- Your radiologist or sonographer may show you the feed and explain what they see during the procedure.
- Once the procedure is complete, the radiologist or sonographer will use a paper towel to wipe the clear gel off you.
Preparing for your Ultrasound
In most cases, you won’t need to prepare for your ultrasound. If any preparation is required, you will be informed and given instructions when booking your appointment or in your appointment letter.
We may ask you to fast for a brief period, drink water or come to your scan with a full bladder. There’s no reason you can’t continue taking chronic medication with water before your scan.
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have:
Abdomen
- Do not eat 8 hours prior to the exam.
- You may take chronic medications.
Abdomen & Abdomen Retro Complete/Limited
- Do not eat 8 hours prior to the exam.
- Make sure you have a full bladder for the exam (please see our drinking instructions at the end of this section).
- You may take chronic medications.
Abdomen Retro Complete/Limited
- Make sure you have a full bladder for the exam (please see our drinking instructions at the end of this section).
- You may take chronic medications.
Aorta/AAA
- Do not eat 8 hours prior to the exam.
- You may have water and take chronic medications.
Kidney/Bladder
- Make sure you have a full bladder for the exam (please see our drinking instructions at the end of this section).
- You may take chronic medications.
Pelvis Non-OB
- Make sure you have a full bladder prior to the exam (please see our drinking instructions at the end of this section).
- You may take chronic medications.
Pelvis OB
- You must drink 1 litre of water 45 minutes prior to the exam.
- If you are over 35 weeks pregnant, you do not need to follow this water instruction. There is no preparation required.
Pelvis with Transvaginal
- Make sure you have a full bladder for the exam (please see our drinking instructions at the end of this section).
- You may take chronic medications.
Renal Artery with Doppler for Stenosis
- The night before your test, please eat a light dinner consisting of clear liquids only (jello, broth, tea). Do not have any dairy.
- Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the exam.
Renal/Kidney
- Make sure you have a full bladder for the exam (please see our drinking instructions at the end of this section).
- You may take chronic medications
Drinking instructions
- 2-6 years old – 250 ml of water 30 minutes prior to the exam.
- 6-12 years old – 500 ml of water 30 minutes prior to the exam.
- 12-18 years old – 1 litre of water 30 minutes prior to the exam.
- Female patients 18 years old – 1 litre of water 45 minutes prior to the exam.
- Male patients, 18 years and over – 750 ml of water 45 minutes prior to the exam.
What happens once your scan is complete?
- You can go home. Our resident radiologist will analyse your scans and compile a report for your doctor.
- If you’ve not heard from your referring doctor within 48 hours of your test, please contact their rooms to follow up on your results.
Ultrasound FAQs
Review our FAQs to help prepare you for your upcoming Ultrasound.