Most ultrasound scans require no preparation.
There are a few exceptions:
- Abdomen ultrasound – you may be required to fast before your examination.
- Pelvic or renal ultrasound – you will need a full bladder for these scans. We recommend that you drink four to six glasses of water one hour before the exam and not urinate until the exam is completed.
The radiologist or sonographer applies a water-based gel to your skin to prevent air pockets interfering with the sound waves. You may find the gel to be cold. Scanning times range in length from 5 minutes for a soft tissue scan, and up to an hour for more complex vascular scans.
The radiologist or sonographer will press a small hand-held device (transducer or wand) against your skin and move it slowly over the area they are examining to get the best images.
The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the ones that bounce back, and sends them to a computer, which creates the images of the inside of your body. These can be seen on a monitor.
If an interventional procedure is being performed, the radiologist will guide you through the benefits of the procedure and consent you for any side effects of the procedure prior to performing the case. Appropriate aftercare guidance will also be provided at the time of the appointment.
The radiologist may talk through the images with you as they are scanning but the formal report will be sent to the referring consultant within 24 hours of your scan being completed.
You will be able to return to normal activities immediately after an ultrasound.
