WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND SCAN
Ultrasound imaging is exactly that – the use of sound waves at ultra-high frequencies to create an image from the reverberation of the signal by soft tissue. It can be used to assess most body structures including soft tissues such as breasts or tendons/ligaments, abdominal and pelvic viscera as well as to guide sampling of tissue i.e. a biopsy. It is safe, non-invasive and does not produce any ionising radiation.
Breast Ultrasound
BEFORE YOUR ULTRASOUND
What to bring:
- Your request form
- Any relevant previous imaging
- Your Medicare card
There is no preparation required. You can eat and drink normally before and after the procedure. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your health, current medications, and any allergies you may have. You may be asked to change into a gown for your scan. You should remove any jewellery and you may be asked to change into a gown for your scan.
DURING YOUR ULTRASOUND
- You’ll lie down comfortably on an examination table and uncover the area to be examined.
- You might need to raise your arm above your head on the side being examined.
- Gel will be applied to the area being examined to improve contact with the ultrasound probe to make the images clearer.
- The probe will be placed on your skin to obtain images. The person performing the ultrasound will move the probe around to get the best views.
- Your ultrasound will be conducted by a trained and experienced sonographer.
- Ultrasound exams are generally not painful, but they can be uncomfortable, especially if you have to move a body part that’s sensitive or if the area being scanned is tender.
- Most ultrasound exams take about 30 minutes.
AFTER YOUR ULTRASOUND
You can resume your normal activities after an ultrasound.
Abdomen and Pelvic Ultrasound
BEFORE YOUR ULTRASOUND
What to Bring:
- Your request form
- Any relevant previous imaging
- Your Medicare card
For Abdominal scans you need to fast for 6 hours.
For renal and pelvic scans: Drink two cups of water one hour before your appointment, but don’t empty your bladder.
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your health, current medications, and any allergies you may have. You may be asked to change into a gown for your scan.
DURING YOUR ULTRASOUND
You’ll lie down comfortably on an examination table and uncover the area to be examined
Gel will be applied to the area being examined to improve contact with the ultrasound probe to make the images clearer.
The probe will be placed on your skin to obtain images. The person performing the ultrasound will move the probe around to get the best views.
Your ultrasound will be conducted by a trained and experienced sonographer.
Ultrasound exams are generally not painful, but they can be uncomfortable, especially if you have to move a body part that’s sensitive or if the area being scanned is tender.
Female pelvic scans may require a transvaginal approach with a specially covered probe. Sterile gel is used, and the probe is sterilized between patients. You’ll need to sign a consent form for the transvaginal scan.
Most ultrasound exams take about 20 to 30 minutes.
AFTER YOUR ULTRASOUND
You can resume your normal activities after an ultrasound.
