What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is used widely in all developed countries for diagnostic imaging. Ultrasound can be performed on many parts of the body such as the pelvis, liver, kidneys, breasts, etc. Your doctor will order the required scan.

Medical ultrasound for diagnostic imaging employs sound waves in the range of 1-18 M Hz. An ultrasound probe emits and receives echoes. When placed on the body, the echoes from the area are depicted on the ultrasound monitor. This enables us to see and examine the organs.

To optimise transmission of the sound waves, gel is applied over the specific body part to ensure good contact with the ultrasound probe.

Is there any risk involved?

Ultrasound scans are painless and safe. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound scans do not use ionising radiation. Research has shown that there are no harmful effects associated with the medical use of ultrasound.

How is pelvic ultrasound performed?

There are two main methods of performing a pelvis ultrasound examination:

• Transabdominal scan (TA)
• Transvaginal scan (TV)
  

For the transabdominal (TA) scan, you will be required to lie on the couch. Gel is applied over the lower abdomen and an ultrasound probe is then moved around to obtain ultrasonic images of the region.

For the transvaginal (TV) scan, a specially designed probe (transducer), which has undergone high level disinfection, with a protective covering is lubricated with gel and inserted into the vagina. The sonographer or doctor may need to put a cushion to elevate the buttock, for your comfort and ease of scanning.

What kind of scans can I expect to be done?

For ladies who have had sexual experience, we recommend both the transabdominal and transvaginal scans for a thorough examination. Each of these scans has its advantages. The abdominal approach offers a broad view of the entire pelvis. The transvaginal approach provides better visualisation as the transducer is brought closer to the area being examined, thus improving the accuracy of the results. Your doctor will decide on the appropriate scan for you.

Preparation for the scan

Type of scan you choose	Preparation of scan​	​Recipient to acknowledge the relevant section below
​Both TA + TV	​Nil (In the event a TV scan is insufficient for diagnosis, you may need to drink water for a TA scan)	​
​TA only	​A full bladder is required for transabdominal scan only. 1st drink: one cup (about 200ml) of water 1 hour before the scan 2nd drink: one cup of water 45 minutes before the scan 3rd drink: 3rd cup of water 30 minutes before the scan Do not go to the toilet or empty your bladder before the scan. If your bladder is full, please approach staff at ultrasound counter.	​

Occasionally, you may require a transrectal scan (with the probe inserted through the anus). No preparation is required for this scan.

Please alert your doctor or sonographer if you do not wish to have a transvaginal scan.

Can I be scanned during menstruation?

Pelvic sonography (TA I TV scan) can be performed even when you are having menses, unless there are specific instructions from your doctor.

Who will perform the scan?

A sonographer (a specially trained health care professional) or radiologist (a doctor specialising in radiology) will perform the scan.

Who w ill prepare the report after ultrasound scan?

Our radiologist will prepare the ultrasound scan report. In certain cases, we may need to call you back if our radiologist requires additional images.

When the scan report is ready, your doctor w ill review the report and discuss the findings with you.

When will I know the resu lts?

If your appointment with the doctor in the clinic is on the same day as the scan, the report will be ready in about 1.5 hours after the scan ends.

If your appointment with the doctor is on a different day, the doctor will discuss the results with you during your appointment. If there are urgent concerns, the medical team will contact you to schedule an early review.

Will I need to be admitted?

The examination does not require hospital admission. If you are hospitalised on the appointment day, please inform the ward staff to contact the Department of Diagnostic & lnterventional lmaging about your appointment.

Important points to note