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What is a general ultrasound?
A general ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create live, moving pictures of organs, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body.
The sonographer applies a warm gel to your skin and moves a small handheld probe over the area being examined. The probe sends out sound waves and listens for the echoes that bounce back. A computer turns those echoes into a real-time image on the screen.
There's no radiation, no needles for most scans, and no recovery time. You can go straight back to your day.
What a general ultrasound can help find
Your GP or specialist may refer you for an ultrasound to investigate or monitor things like:
- Abdominal concerns involving the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or kidneys
- Pelvic symptoms, including the uterus, ovaries and bladder
- Neck and thyroid lumps, nodules, swelling or salivary gland issues
- Soft tissue injuries in muscles, tendons or ligaments
- Vascular checks, such as a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg
- Scrotal or testicular symptoms
- Lumps and swellings anywhere in the soft tissue under the skin
If you're not sure why you've been referred, give us a call. We can help explain what the scan is looking for and what happens next.
Types of ultrasound we offer
General ultrasound covers a wide range of body areas. Your referring doctor will tell you which scan you need.
- Upper abdomen ultrasound
Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. Used for tummy pain, jaundice or abnormal blood tests. - Renal / kidney ultrasound
Kidneys, ureters and bladder. Used for kidney stones, urinary issues and infection follow-up. - Pelvic ultrasound
Uterus, ovaries and bladder. Often used for pelvic pain, irregular periods or fertility checks. - Thyroid & neck ultrasound
Thyroid gland, parathyroid and lymph nodes. Used for thyroid nodules, lumps or swallowing concerns. - Carotid Doppler
Neck arteries that supply the brain. Used to investigate stroke risk and arterial narrowing. - Venous Doppler (DVT)
Leg veins. Used to investigate suspected deep vein thrombosis and chronic vein problems. - Arterial Doppler
Leg and arm arteries. Used to assess peripheral artery disease and blood-flow problems. - Scrotal / testicular ultrasound
Testes, epididymis and scrotum. Used for pain, swelling, lumps or trauma. - Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, wrist or ankle. Used for tendon, muscle and joint injuries. - Soft tissue ultrasound
Lumps, cysts and lipomas under the skin. Often used to characterise a new lump. - Salivary gland ultrasound
Parotid and submandibular glands. Used for swelling, stones or salivary gland lumps. - Lymph node assessment
Targeted ultrasound of lymph nodes anywhere in the body.
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20–40 minutes
Time at the clinic
No radiation
Uses sound waves only
No sedation
Drive yourself home
What to expect on the day
- Check in
Bring your referral and Medicare card. Your sonographer will explain what's about to happen and answer any questions you have. - Getting comfortable
You'll lie on a bed and the sonographer will help you uncover just the area being scanned. Warm gel is applied to the skin to help the probe glide and the sound waves travel properly. - The scan
The sonographer moves a small handheld probe gently across the area of interest. You may be asked to change position, hold your breath briefly, or point to where it hurts. - During the scan
You may feel light pressure from the probe but it doesn't hurt. The sonographer captures still images and short clips of the area being examined. - You're done
The gel is wiped off, you get changed and you can go straight back to your day. There is no recovery time. The report goes to your referring doctor, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Tell us before your scan if you:
- Have had recent surgery on the area being scanned
- Have any open wounds, dressings or skin conditions near the area
- Are pregnant, think you might be, or are breastfeeding
- Have had recent imaging of the same area
- Have any mobility issues that may affect positioning
These details help us plan your scan safely. Your referring doctor and our sonographer will decide how best to proceed.
Before you come in
Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound you're having. We'll send the exact instructions when you book.
Abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, pancreas)
No food for 6 hours before your appointment. Water is fine. Avoid fatty meals the night before. This is so the gallbladder is full and the bowel is calm, which gives a much clearer picture.
Pelvic, kidney or bladder ultrasound
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Empty it 1 hour before your appointment, then drink 2 to 3 glasses of water and try not to go to the toilet again until after the scan.
Vascular, musculoskeletal, neck or thyroid ultrasound
No special preparation is needed. Eat, drink and take your medications as usual.
What to wear
Loose, comfortable clothing that lets you easily expose the area being scanned. A two-piece outfit usually works best.
What to bring
- Your referral letter from your GP or specialist
- Medicare card, and private health card if you have one
- Any previous ultrasound or imaging reports of the same area
- A list of your current medications
- A bottle of water if you've been asked to arrive with a full bladder
- Wet wipes or tissues for any leftover gel
What it looks like
A short walkthrough showing the room, the equipment and what happens during a general ultrasound.
Cost and results
- What it costs
Many general ultrasounds are bulk- billed through Medicare with a valid referral. Some scans have a gap fee, which we confirm when you book.
Read our billing information - How you'll see results
Your report and images are sent electronically to your referring doctor, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Access the patient portal
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my ultrasound?
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It depends on the type of scan. For an abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, pancreas), you'll usually be asked not to eat for 6 hours beforehand. For pelvic, kidney or bladder scans, arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
For vascular, musculoskeletal, neck or thyroid scans, no special preparation is needed.
We'll send the exact instructions when you book.
Does an ultrasound hurt?
No. The scan itself is painless. You may feel some pressure as the sonographer moves the probe, especially over a tender area, but the scan doesn't hurt.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, and is considered very safe. Side effects are rare. Occasional mild discomfort from probe pressure can happen, especially over a sore area, and passes quickly.
How long does it take?
Most general ultrasounds take 20 to 40 minutes depending on the area being scanned. Vascular scans of the legs can sometimes take a bit longer.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Ultrasounds need a referral from your GP or specialist. Bring the original on the day, or have a photo of it on your phone when you book.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes. Ultrasounds don't use sedation, so you can drive, return to work, or carry on with whatever you had planned for the day.
Can my partner or a family member come in with me?
Yes, in most cases. Let us know when you arrive and we'll let you know if there's any reason they can't be in the room (some scans need quiet concentration). Children are usually best left in the waiting area.
What if I'm pregnant?
Ultrasound is considered very safe in pregnancy and is used routinely throughout. Tell us before your appointment so we can choose the most appropriate scan and approach.
How is ultrasound different from a CT or X-ray?
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, which is why it's a popular first investigation, especially for younger patients and during pregnancy. CT and X-ray use radiation, but they can show things ultrasound can't, like bone detail or deeper structures. Your doctor chooses the right test for the question they're trying to answer.
Ready to book?
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Visit us
Shop TO3, Ground Floor, 2107-2125 Dandenong Road, Clayton VIC 3168
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1300 101 695
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9am - 5pm Weekdays
Saturday: By appointment only
Saturday: By appointment only
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