What is an Ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging test that uses sound waves (not radiation) to create pictures of the inside of the body. It helps doctors study organs, blood flow, and in pregnancy, the growing baby.
Ultrasound is highly effective so can be used for a range of medical concerns:
- The urinary tract or KUB (kidneys, ureters and bladder)
- Upper / lower abdomen and pelvis
- Fetal well being (Obstetrics scan)
- Anomaly scan
- Gynaecological (female pelvis)
- Neck
- Thyroid
- Prostate and testicular
- Musculoskeletal (MSK)
- Soft tissue
Why is it Done?
Ultrasound is highly effective so can be used for a range of medical concerns:
- The urinary tract or KUB (kidneys, ureters and bladder)
- Upper / lower abdomen and pelvis
- Fetal well being (Obstetrics scan)
- Anomaly scan
- Gynaecological (female pelvis)
- Neck
- Thyroid
- Prostate and testicular
- To monitor pregnancy and baby’s growth.
- To guide procedures like biopsies and fluid aspiration.
Patient Preparation
Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound:
Abdominal Ultrasound:
- Fasting for 4–6 hours before the test.
- Avoid food, water, chewing gum, or smoking during fasting.
- Drink 3–4 glasses of water 1 hour before the test.
- Do not pass urine until after the scan – a full bladder is required.
Other Ultrasounds (thyroid, breast, soft tissue, vascular, musculoskeletal):
- No special preparation needed.
What to Expect During the Test (A video by the side)
- A clear, water-based gel will be applied on the skin over the area to be examined.
- The radiologist will gently move a probe over the skin to capture images.
- You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath briefly.
- The procedure is painless and usually takes 10–20 minutes.
After the Test
- You can resume normal diet and activities immediately.
- There are no side effects.
- Reports and images are usually ready within [X hours / same day / 24 hours – update as per your workflow.
An ultrasound is also a helpful way to guide interventinal radiologist/surgeon’ movements during certain medical procedures, such as biopsies.
Advantages of Ultrasounds:
- Ultrasound captures highly detailed images of the soft tissues that do not usually appear well on X-rays
- They also enable real-time imaging
- They have no risk of radiation
Yes, ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. It is safe, even during pregnancy.
No. It is completely painless and comfortable.
Only for abdominal scans. For pelvic scans, you need a full bladder. For most others, no preparation is required.
Usually 10–15 minutes, depending on the area being examined.
Reports are usually ready within 10 minutes. Some scans which have atypical findings may take long and reports are usually ready within 24 hrs.