What is an ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan is an examination using high frequency sound waves. The echoes form a picture on the screen of the inside of the body.
Who will carry out the scan?
The person who will perform the scan is a qualified sonographer. Your sonographer may be male or female, if you have a preference please let us know.
What happens when I attend the scan?
When you arrive, you will be greeted by your sonographer who may ask some questions about your referral and symptoms to tailor the examination to your individual needs. You will be asked to lie or sit on the couch with the area of interest exposed. For the majority of scans you do not need to change clothes but may be asked to move them aside for access.
A special gel is applied to transmit the soundwaves and a handheld probe is then used by the sonographer to guide the ultrasound. If you prefer a chaperone to be present please don’t hesitate to ask.
How long will it take?
Your appointment typically lasts between 30 – 45 minutes, however, for multiple examinations this may take longer.
What happens if I am on medication?
Please continue to use any medication prescribed with a sip of water if necessary. If you are diabetic and have been asked to fast for your scan, please ring 01472 245075 for advice as an early appointment may be more appropriate. Food and your insulin medication can be brought to the department to be taken immediately after the examination.
If you have been informed to drink water and are on a daily restricted fluid regime please call 01472 245075 to discuss this with the clinic.
When will I get the results?
Your results will be emailed to your registered e-mail address on the same day. A hard copy of your report is available on request (you may be asked to wait in our waiting area for a short time while it is generated).
In some instances the report may require some time to compile usually in for complex or lengthy cases. In these instances all attempts will be made to issue the report later on the same day but it may take longer.
Results will be on your medical record and available for your GP to review and can be forwarded to your relevant clinician if needed.
If you do not wish your results to be shared with your GP please inform a member of our team at the point of booking.
Can someone come in with me?
If you would like support during your appointment, you are welcome to bring ONE family member or friend in with you. Please make every effort to arrange childcare, however, we appreciate this is not always possible.
Is a Chaperone available?
A chaperone will be offered and is always available should you require. If you wish for a chaperone to be present, please inform a member of the team.
Do you do baby scans?
Currently we do not offer a baby scanning service, however, this may become available so please check with us in the future.
Is an ultrasound scan dangerous?
There are no known risks with an ultrasound scan used for diagnostic purposes. Radiation is not involved.
What happens before my scan?
When you have agreed a date for your scan you may be asked to follow some dietary instructions prior to the examination, such as fasting for 6 hours or filling your bladder. Some examinations require no preparation.
Correct preparation will ensure we obtain the best possible images during your test. Failure to follow the preparation instructions may result in the examination being delayed or postponed to another day.
Please consider your area of concern and dress appropriately for easy access during the scan.
If your preparation involves a full bladder, the sonographer will make every effort to allow you to visit the toilet as soon as possible.
Will it hurt?
The examination is not painful, however, the probe may feel uncomfortable in tender areas as some pressure is occasionally required to achieve the optimum image quality.
Are there any after effects?
There are no after effects from having an ultrasound scan and you may eat and drink as normal. The ultrasound gel is water soluble and easily washes out and the sonographer will try not to get any gel on your clothes.
Additional advice is provided to patients having steroid injections.
What if I am pregnant?
There are no known risks to the baby from an ultrasound scan. Please note the current service does not include obstetric ultrasound.
What if I have allergies?
For general ultrasound allergic reactions are extremely rare, however non-latex gloves and probe covers are utilised as well as hypo-allergenic gel to minimise risk.
For allergies relating to therapeutic injections please see the link included in ULTRASOUND GUIDED THERAPEUTIC INJECTION SERVICE
What if I have mobility issues?
Free disabled parking is available on site.
Our department is located on the ground floor, with full accessibility to wheelchair users and most mobility scooters (loan wheelchairs are available at reception if required).
For certain examinations you will ideally be required to transfer to the electronic ultrasound couch. Our friendly staff members are always happy to assist.
Unfortunately our department cannot accommodate stretchers or hoists.
A disabled toilet is located within our department.
Does ultrasound look at my stomach and bowel?
The stomach and bowel are not routinely visualised with ultrasound as other examination types are more appropriate.
Ultrasound cannot see through gas/ air which is ever-present in the stomach and bowel.
How does ultrasound work? (the technical stuff)
An ultrasound is essentially a highly complex sonar image, similar in many ways to that of submarines!
The ultrasound machine, sends electricity to the surface of the transducer (probe) covered in piezo-electric crystals, which when stimulated by electricity produces a high frequency soundwave.
These soundwaves are transmitted into the body via “an acoustic coupling gel” which eliminates the air gap between the probe and the skin (even a tiny amount of air is enough to stop the image from being formed effectively) and also acts as a lubricant.
The soundwaves bounce off all of the particles and surfaces within the body sending a returning echo to the probe surface. The returning soundwave strikes the piezo-electric crystals, causing an electrical pulse. The computer within the machine converts the electrical pulses into an image based on the strength and time of the returning echo.
The frequency of the sound wave can be modified by the machine. A higher frequency soundwave results in a higher resolution image, but loses strength more quickly and therefore is only useful for scanning more superficial structures.
On the other hand, a lower frequency soundwave allows for much greater depth of image but with slightly lower resolution.
A sonographer is trained to understand the equipment and physics in such a way that they can manipulate the controls and frequencies to achieve the best possible images.
Still have questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat with our friendly team.
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If you would like some more information, have a question about a scan, or would like to make a booking by phone, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
