Ultrasound is a very safe and accurate investigative tool used to assess many organs in the body. Ultrasound uses harmless high frequency inaudible sound waves to obtain images. Ultrasound waves are not dangerous or irritating to adults or children.
Depending on the area to be scanned you may be asked to follow special instructions. Continue to take all your usual medications. The preparation may include drinking fluids or fasting before your test. You will be given all the relevant information when making your appointment, but we’ve provided an overview below.
Pelvis, lower abdomen, kidney or bladder ultrasounds require you to have a full bladder. It is necessary to drink 600-800ml of water two hours prior to the scan and refrain from going to the toilet.
Gynaecological, Obstetric Ultrasound, Nuchal Translucency scans require you to have a full bladder. It is necessary to drink 600-800ml of water two hours prior to the scan and refrain from going to the toilet. In some instances an internal ultrasound is required and is performed with an empty bladder. The sonographer will discuss this option with you.
Doppler Ultrasounds usually require no special preparation, with the exception of renal Doppler, where a 12 hour fast is required.
Upper abdominal ultrasounds such as liver, gallbladder or pancreas require you to fast (i.e. no eating, drinking or smoking for six hours prior to the examination). If you are a diabetic, please discuss this with our bookings staff.
Musculoskeletal ultrasounds (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, hand and wrist, hip, thigh, knee, calf, ankle and foot) usually require no special preparation.
We understand that some patients are anxious about having tests performed. If you do have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask our staff.
No. Ultrasound is a very safe and accurate investigative tool used to assess many organs in the body. Ultrasound uses harmless high frequency inaudible sound waves to obtain images. Ultrasound waves are not dangerous or irritating to adults or children.
Can the sonographer check other areas I am concerned about?
No. The sonographer is limited to the region your doctor has requested. Please discuss with the sonographer any questions or concerns you may have as they may aid in your diagnosis.
Can I eat before having a pelvic/obstetric ultrasound?
Yes. Eating before your obstetric/gynaecological ultrasound is permitted.
You are required to have a full bladder. It is necessary to drink 600-800ml of water two hours prior to the scan and do not go to the toilet before the scan.
Can I have a female sonographer/technician to perform the scan?
Yes, please let reception know when making your appointment. We have female radiographers and sonographers sensitive to the needs of female patients.
What is the difference between a nuchal translucency scan and an obstetric ultrasound?
There are many reasons why a doctor would refer for an Obstetric Ultrasound, these can include:
- to assist in determining the gestational age (when the baby is due)
- to assess the growth of a baby
- to assess the number of babies
- to check for possible abnormalities
- to follow-up on any bleeding during the pregnancy
A Nuchal Translucency scan is an ultrasound usually performed between 11th to 13th week of pregnancy. It is a screening process (ultrasound and blood test) to assess the risk for your baby of certain chromosomal abnormalities, including Down syndrome. For more detailed information please see our page on Nuchal Translucency.
Will the sonographer performing my scan tell me what’s wrong?
It is the sonographer’s duty to perform the test and ensure the images are of high quality for the radiologist (specialist doctor) to interpret them.