Preparation

Ultrasound examinations of the different body parts may require special preparation, such as fasting or drinking water.

Please take the time to read the summary of instructions below for the type of ultrasound examination you are having. Our reception staff will provide you with the necessary instructions when you book your appointment and also answer any queries that you may have.

Please bring any relevant previous imaging.

Female Pelvic Ultrasound

The preparation requirements for female pelvic ultrasounds vary according to age, stage of pregnancy or type of condition requiring investigation.

Female Pelvic and Obstetric ultrasounds require a full bladder for gynaecological examinations.
If you know that you are pregnant with twins, please let us know so that additional time may be allocated. In addition, an internal or transvaginal examination may be requested by the referring doctor or required at the time of the examination for a closer view of pelvic organs, in particular the ovaries and endometrium (lining of the uterus). Even though an internal scan may be recommended, you naturally have a choice to refuse.

Summary of Ultrasound Examinations and Preparation Required

ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION	PREPARATION REQUIRED
Abdomen	Fast for 6 hours prior (usually withhold breakfast). Only have small sips of water for any medication that you may be taking.
Pelvis, Renal & Pregnancy	Empty your bladder75 minutes prior to the appointment and then drink one litre of water (not coffee or tea), finishing the water at least one hour before the examination. Do NOT empty your bladder until after the examination. Please advise if having twins
Musculoskeletal: Any part of a limb, all joints and muscles	None
Breast, eye, thyroid, penile and scrotum	None
Vascular: Doppler veins Doppler Carotid, Leg & other arteries Doppler Aorta & Renal	None None Fast 8 hours
Injection, biopsy or FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration)	None

Procedure

In preparation for your ultrasound, you may be requested to remove relevant clothing and jewellery and asked to wear an examination gown. The area to be examined will need to be exposed but the rest of you will be covered.

Procedures can take up to 1 hour to conduct with the average time being 20-30 minutes and this will be discussed with you at the time of booking.

You will be asked to lie on a couch or sit on a chair (depending on the examination) next to the ultrasound equipment. A Sonographer captures and prints the requested images using a probe/transducer which emits the ultrasound waves.

A water-based gel will be spread on the skin of the area being scanned which assists in the transmission of sound waves between the body and probe. The soundwaves are then reflected by the tissues in your body back to the probe. This information is then used to form an image that is then interpreted to obtain a diagnosis. You may be required to hold your breath or move into different positions so that the best images can be obtained.