FAQ

NHS Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive investigation that allows us to look at your body and detect any abnormalities that may be causing symptoms. A probe pressed against your body sends out sound waves and picks up the returning echoes. Pictures of the inside of your body are displayed on a computer screen. An ultrasound examination is quick, painless and safe and performed by a specialist Ultrasonographer. It can be used to detect problems with the following areas:

• Abdominal symptoms – from the Liver, Pancreas, Kidneys, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Spleen and Abdominal Aorta
• Pelvic symptoms – from the Bladder, Uterus, Ovaries or Testes
• Musculoskeletal symptoms – Soft tissues, Muscles, Joints and Tendons
• Other uses – Thyroid, Breast, Chest and Blood vessels

Who will be doing my scan?

Your ultrasound examination will be performed by a specialist experienced Ultrasonographer orin some circumstances by a Consultant Radiologist.

How do I prepare for my scan?

Please read your appointment letter for instructions on how to prepare for your scan. The instructions will vary depending on your examination. For some scans you may be asked to fast for a number of hours beforehand, whereas for others you may need to drink water an hour beforehand. A full bladder helps to lift your large bowel out of the pelvis so it’s easier to examine your pelvic organs. If you have any queries before the examination please ring 0845 6171345 If you have any queries on the day please discuss these with our experienced Ultrasonographers.

What happens during an ultrasound examination?

When you arrive at the GP surgery you will be asked to wait in the waiting room. Our Health Care Assistant will meet and register you, and lead you into the ultrasound examination room where you will meet our Ultrasonographer. You will lie on an examination couch and the lights will be dimmed. The scan usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. A probe with a gel will be applied to the area of interest. The gel is water-soluble and wipes off easily but you may wish to wear lose clothing so that you can lift them out of the way. The gel may feel a bit cold at first but it is required to produce clearer pictures. Images of your body are displayed in real-time on a computer screen. Some of these images will be stored securely on the hard drive and be used to generate a report.

What happens during a pelvic ultrasound?​

There are two ways in which a pelvic scan may be done. A trans-abdominal scan is performed in the same way as an abdominal scan; the only difference is your sonographer will place the sensor over your lower abdomen. A trans-vaginal scan is used to examine the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries in more detail. You will need to lie on your back with your knees raised and your sonographer will insert a slim-line sensor (the size of a tampon) with a protective cover into your vagina. This procedure is safe to perform during a period (menstruation). The procedure isn’t painful, although it may cause slight discomfort. If you have a latex allergy, tell your sonographer so that he or she uses a suitable cover.

What is a doppler US?

Doppler ultrasound assesses blood flow in arteries and veins in your legs, neck and abdomen. It is used to diagnose blood clots (DVT), venous insufficiency (poor blood flow) or narrowing of the blood vessels.

Are there any risks with Ultrasound?

An ultrasound examination is completely safe and does not involve radiation. Occasionally you may feel some discomfort as the probe presses against your ribs or other parts of your body but this is transient.

When will I get my results?

The details of your scan may be explained to you straight after the examination. In most cases the reults will be sent on the day of the examination to your GP’s surgery. You should allow 7 days before contacting your doctor to discuss your scan results. Other sources of information: www.goingfora.com (Royal College of Radiologists website)