What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound (Medical Ultrasonography) utilises sound waves to visualise muscles, tendons, and internal organs in real time, capturing their size, structure, and any pathology.
You will need to lie down on an ultrasound table, water-based gel will be applied to the examined area, and an ultrasound probe would be pressed firmly against your skin to visualise the underlying organs and structures.
A pelvic ultrasound may require an internal (transvaginal) scan to assist in assessing internal pelvic organs. In which case, you would need to empty your bladder prior to the procedure and change into a patient gown. Should this be required, the procedure would be discussed with you and consent would be obtained prior to commencement. Note that you would still need to attend with a full bladder initially for your appointment.
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INFO SHEET
Preparation:
| Abdomen / Renal Artery | No food or drink for 6 hours prior to appointment Small sips of water OK for medication |
| Renal / Prostate Pelvis Pregnancy up to 16 weeks | Empty bladder 90 minutes before appointment Drink 1 Litre (4 cups) of water within 30 minutes Do not empty bladder after this |
| Pregnancy from 17 weeks | Empty bladder 90 minutes before appointment Drink 500ml (2 cups) of water within 30 minutes Do not empty bladder after this |
| Musculoskeletal | No preparation |
| Thyroid / Neck | No preparation |
| Scrotal / Testis | No preparation |
| Breast | No preparation |
| Vascular | No preparation |