Your Ultrasound Scan

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan is a picture of part of the inside of the body using sound waves of a frequency above the audible range of the human ear. A small hand-held sensor, which is pressed carefully against the skin surface, both generates sound waves and detects any echoes reflected back off the surfaces and tissue boundaries of internal organs. The sensor can be moved over the skin to view the organ from different angles, the pictures being displayed on a screen and recorded for subsequent study.

Ultrasound images complement other forms of scans and are widely used for many different parts of the body. They can also be used to study blood flow and to detect any narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, for example, in the neck.

Ultrasound can be used for intimate examinations; for example, of the prostate gland in men or the womb or ovaries in women. If you are having an intimate examination the radiologist will describe the procedure to you, and your consent will be sought.

Safety

There are no known risks and an ultrasound scan is considered very safe

Preparation

Some preparation may be required if your pelvis, kidney, or bladder are to be scanned, you may be required to ensure that your bladder is full before the examination can begin. For some examinations such as of the gall bladder and pancreas, you may be required to fast for a specified number of hours. If so, this will be explained in your appointment letter. You should tell the clinic in advance if you have had a similar ultrasound recently.

About the scan

• When you arrive at reception you will be asked to wait in the waiting room until the radiologist/sonographer is ready for you.
• On collection for the examination you may need to undress, a gown and changing area will be provided.
• You will be taken into a room where you will be asked to lie down on a couch; the room may be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly.
• A gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be scanned, for example, the abdomen. The gel allows the sensor to slide easily over the skin and helps to produce clearer pictures.
• You may be asked to take deep breaths and to hold your breath for a few moments. For a scan of the bladder, the bladder may occasionally not be full enough for the examination and you may be asked to drink more fluid.
• The radiologist/sonographer will slowly move the sensor over the skin while viewing the images on the screen. Records of selected images will be made so that they can be viewed later.
• Upon completion, the gel will be wiped off and you will be free to get dressed.
• The process of carrying out a scan usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Your total time is likely to be about 30-40 minutes.

After the scan

Once the scan is finished you may go, the radiologist/sonographer may be able to give a preliminary overview on the day. The scans we have obtained will be processed and a written report on the findings sent to your referring doctor, normally in four working days.

Websites

For general information about radiology departments visit the Royal College of Radiologist’s website:
www.goingfora.com

NHS Direct
For health advice or information you can call NHS Direct on 0845 45647 or visit the website:
www.nhsdirect.com

Taken from © The Royal College of Radiologists, May 2008

Legal Notice

Please remember that this information is intended as general information only.