Ultrasound scan - What to Expect

Before your Appointment

No preparation is required prior to your examination.

If you require assistance with language interpretation or would wish to be escorted by a friend, relative or carer, please advise the Patient Referral Centre so that the clinic staff are ready for you. Please also let us know before the appointment if you would prefer to be seen by an ultrasonographer of the same sex. In order to provide an ultrasonographer of the same sex we might have to change your clinic appointment.

If you need help because you speak a different language, please let us know when you book your appointment.

On Arrival

On arrival one of our staff will explain the procedure to you and answer any further questions you may have. You may be asked to undress and put on an examination gown. You may prefer to bring your own dressing gown from home.

The Examination

You will be asked to lie down on a couch. Some lubricating gel will be applied to the part of the body to be scanned. This gel enables the clinician to get better contact between your skin and the ultrasound probe. The probe is similar to a very thick blunt pen and is connected by a wire to an ultrasound machine and monitor. Pulses of ultrasound are sent from the probe through the skin to the part of the body under examination. The probe is gently moved over the surface of the skin and an image is produced on the monitor.

How Long Will it Take?

The length of time taken depends on the type of examination. Usually an ultrasound procedure will take between 15 minutes and half an hour.

When Will I Get the Results?

The ultrasound report will be received by the doctor who referred you within 2-4 working days of your ultrasound scan.

You should arrange to see your doctor to receive your results unless he/she has made different arrangements with you.

Occasionally you might be required to attend one of our specialist clinics, you will be told about this after you have had your scan.