What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound examinations can be performed on most parts of the body and provide excellent information about a variety of conditions - from pregnancy to gall stones, varicose veins and even muscle tears.
During an ultrasound examination sound waves are bounced back from parts of the body (like sonar) to give black and white (or in some cases now, colour) images.
Ultrasound is particularly useful in pregnancy as there are no known harmful effects from its diagnostic use. Modern ultrasound equipment shows detail in "real-time", not as still images. This enables a moving image to be seen on the screen.
These examinations are carried out and interpreted by a radiologist (a doctor trained in reading x-rays and ultrasounds) and a sonographer (a technologist trained in medical imaging).
The sonographer uses a transducer (a hand-held device which produces and receives the sound waves) to display the images. The ultrasound procedure is usually painless.
Your doctor will have explained why an ultrasound examination is necessary and the best imaging choice for you. Your doctor may feel it necessary for you to have an x-ray or other procedure, as well as an ultrasound.
There is a wide range of ultrasound equipment available, some very specialised and only offered in particular practices. Depending on the nature of the examination you require, you may need to go to one of these locations.
Preparation
Depending on the ultrasound examination that your doctor has requested, you may be asked to fast from food and fluids. Some examinations require you to drink a significant amount of water prior to arriving so that your bladder is full. You will be advised of the appropriate preparation when you make your appointment.
Procedure
To enable good contact between the ultrasound transducer and the patient, a layer of gel is spread over the area to be examined, therefore you may be asked to change into a gown. The procedure is usually carried out lying down.
After the examination, the gel is simply wiped from your skin so that it does not mark your clothes. The gel is water soluble and thus easily washed out of clothes if any contact is made.
Examination and Reporting Time
The procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes, however may take up to one hour. In particular, ultrasound of the blood vessels may take up to one and a half hours.
The images produced are interpreted by the radiologist and you can either wait for your results, or alternative arrangements can be made to collect them at a later stage.