ULTRASOUND

  • Painless, safe and quick imaging technique using ultrasound waves (no radiation).

  • A probe emits and receives ultrasound waves. A computer processes these signals into real-time images of internal organs, muscles, tendons, etc.

  • Duration: About 10–20 minutes.

Procedure:

  • Gel is applied to the skin for better image quality

  • The probe is placed on the area being studied (e.g., abdomen)

Contraindications: None, safe even during pregnancy.

APPLICATIONS OF ULTRASOUND

  • Abdominal : Evaluation of liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas
  • Gynecological : Assessment of uterus & ovaries
  • Musculoskeletal : Imaging of muscles, tendons, and joints
  • Vascular : Examination of blood vessels to detect narrowing or blood clots (DVT).
  • Thyroid & Neck : Assessment of nodules or abnormalities in the thyroid gland and lymph nodes.

Frequently asked questions

Ultrasound Scan preparation

On booking your ultrasound appointment, you will be given specific preparation instructions for your scan. Generally for examination of the upper abdomen, you will have to fast for approximately eight hours. For the lower abdomen, the scan is best done through a very full bladder. To achieve this, you normally need to drink one litre of liquid about one hour prior to your appointment.

During your scan

You will be escorted to the examination room and asked to lie on a bed. An ultrasound gel will be applied to the skin. A small probe will be gently moved back and forth over the part of the body being examined. The scan will take approximately 15 minutes.

After your scan

For standard outpatient ultrasound appointments, there are no precautions to follow after your scan. You can eat and drink normally, drive and can return to work immediately after your appointment if necessary.

Scan results

Your scan will be reported by a consultant radiologist. The results will be sent directly to your referring doctor. 

Risk & Safety

Ultrasound is considered a very safe scan as it uses sound waves and not radiation. An ultrasound scan can be carried out safely during pregnancy as no x-rays are involved.