What is an Ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound is a non-invasive scan which uses high frequency sound waves of the inside of your body. During your private Ultrasound scan, a probe is passed over the skin and this emits sound waves. These sound waves bounce off your organs and send a signal via the microphone to the computer which then displays the sound as an image.
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
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
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
- The steps you will take to prepare for an ultrasound will depend on the area or organ that is being examined.
- Your doctor may tell you to fast for 4 to 6 hours before your ultrasound, especially if your abdomen is being examined. Undigested food can block the sound waves, making it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture.
- For an examination of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or spleen, you may be told to eat a fat-free meal the evening before your test and then to fast until the procedure. However, you can continue to drink water and take any medications as instructed. For other examinations, you may be asked to drink a lot of water and to hold your urine so that your bladder is full and better visualized.