Ultrasound: What It Shows and How to Prepare

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside your body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, which is why it is often used for children and in pregnancy. At Scope Radiology in Clayton, our sonographers perform the scan, and a radiologist reviews the images and writes the report for your doctor.

How Does Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound machine consists of a transducer (a small, handheld device) and a computer. The sonographer applies a special gel to the skin over the area to be examined. This gel helps the transducer make full contact with the skin and eliminates air pockets that could block the sound waves. The transducer then emits sound waves that travel into the body, bounce off organs and structures, and return to the transducer. The computer processes these reflected sound waves into live, moving images that can be viewed on a monitor.

Versatile Applications of Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to look at many parts of the body, including:

1. Obstetric Ultrasound (Pregnancy Scans)

• Early Pregnancy: Confirming pregnancy, estimating gestational age, and checking for viability.
• Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan: Usually at 11 to 14 weeks, as part of first-trimester screening for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome.
• Morphology Scan: A detailed check of your baby's anatomy, usually at 18 to 22 weeks.
• Growth Scans: Monitoring foetal growth, position, and well-being in later stages of pregnancy.

2. Abdominal Ultrasound

• Organs: Examining the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen for conditions like gallstones, kidney stones, fatty liver, or cysts.

3. Pelvic Ultrasound

• Female Pelvis: Evaluating the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes for conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or causes of pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding.

4. Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound

• Joints, Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments: Diagnosing tears, inflammation (e.g., tendonitis, bursitis), sprains, and other injuries in areas like the shoulder, knee, ankle, and wrist.
• Soft Tissue Masses: Identifying lumps and bumps.

5. Vascular Ultrasound

• Blood Vessels: Assessing blood flow in arteries and veins, detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial narrowing, or aneurysms.

6. Small Parts Ultrasound

• Thyroid and neck: Looking at the thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands for lumps, swelling or nodules.
• Scrotum: Looking at the testes and scrotum when there is pain, swelling or a lump.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound

Preparation for an ultrasound depends on the type of scan. Our team will provide you with specific instructions, but common requirements include:

• Abdominal ultrasound: No food for 6 hours before your appointment. Water is fine.
• 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.
• Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to expose the area being examined.
• Referral: Please bring your referral letter from your GP or specialist (for a pregnancy scan, from your GP, obstetrician or midwife).

What to Expect During the Procedure

When you arrive at Scope Radiology Clayton for your ultrasound:

1. Check-in: Our reception staff will confirm your details and referral.
2. Preparation: A qualified sonographer will explain the procedure and position you comfortably on an examination bed. Gel will be applied to your skin.
3. The Scan: The sonographer will move the transducer over the area of interest, capturing images. You may feel slight pressure, but it should not be painful. You can watch the images on a screen if you wish.
4. Duration: Most general ultrasounds take 20 to 40 minutes, and most pregnancy ultrasounds take 30 to 45 minutes.

Your Results

After your ultrasound, our radiologists will carefully review the images and the sonographer’s findings. A detailed report will then be sent to your referring doctor, typically within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your health and any necessary next steps.

This article is general information only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please speak with your doctor about your own circumstances.