Ultrasound scan

An ultrasound scan builds up pictures of organs and areas inside the body using sound waves. These waves are delivered by a small hand held sensor, which is similar to a microphone.

• The sensor is moved over the surface of the skin
• It picks up the sound waves as they bounce off organs in the body
• A computer linked to the sensor turns the sound waves into pictures, which are viewed on a television screen
• The pictures are then interpreted by a trained specialist
• There are no known risks with ultrasound, it is considered to be very safe.

A sonographer, a specialist radiographer, will carry out your scan.

Once you have checked in with the receptionist, you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area. A sonographer will call you for your scan.

He or she may show you to a cubicle and ask you to undress and put on a hospital gown. Whether you have to undress or not will depend on what part of your body is to be scanned.

You will be taken into the scanning room and asked to lie on the couch next to the ultrasound machine.

The lights in the room will be dimmed so that the pictures on the television screen can be seen more clearly. A gel will be applied to your skin in the area to be scanned, such as the abdomen. This helps to transmit the sound waves to the sensor.

Ultrasound scans take from five minutes to about half an hour, depending on the type of scan.

As soon as the scan is over the gel will be wiped off. You may then get ready to go home or back to the ward if you are an in patient. You may go to the toilet and eat and drink as usual.

Preparation

For some scans, you may be asked not to eat or drink for about six hours before. If you are having your womb scanned you will be asked to come to the appointment with a full bladder. This is because the full bladder pushes the womb up so it is in a position that is easier to scan. You must have a full bladder for a bladder, kidney or pelvic scan.

Different types of scan

For some scans, sonographers need to put the sensor inside the body to get a clearer picture.

This includes a scan of the womb and ovaries. For this scan you will lie on the couch and the sonographer will put the sensor into your vagina. This is so that the ovaries can be seen on the screen. It may be uncomfortable, but shouldn't hurt. This type of scan does not take long to do.

The result of the scan will be ready within seven days. The report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan. He or she will discuss the results with you.

You will be given an information sheet at the end of the scan.

Parking

Parking is free at the hospital. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space, as the car park can be very busy.

Valuables

Please leave all valuables at home if possible.

Language difficulties

If English is not your spoken language please bring a friend who can interpret for you. We do have information leaflets in several languages.