This is a specialised procedure that uses sound waves to obtain information about the structure and functions of the different organs within the body. X-rays are not used in this examination.
Preparation
Preparation before the scan is very important to ensure that a complete and accurate examination can be carried out. Plain water can be consumed at any time before the examination. If you are on any prescribed medications, please continue your medications as directed by your physician. If you are a diabetic and you are on food restriction, please omit your anti-diabetic drugs. Please refrain from smoking on the day of appointment.
Abdominal ultrasound scans
Food restriction is necessary for at least 7 hours before the appointment, i.e.:
Pelvis/bladder/prostate ultrasound scans
Neck/chest/kidneys/others ultrasound scan
No preparation is required.
On Arrival
You will be required to change into a hospital gown. A locker will be provided for your belongings, but please keep your valuables at home.
The Ultrasound Examination
In the examination room, you will be asked to lie on the examination couch. A thick gel will be applied on your body over the region to be examined. This gel facilitates the transmission of sound waves through your body and will not stain your clothes. The radiologist/radiographer will then scan the region using a transducer, which produces the sound waves, by moving it over your body.
The whole examination will last about half an hour to one hour, depending on the part of the body being examined. There should be no pain or discomfort during the whole examination.
Due to the nature of our work, some examinations may take longer than anticipated and we may not be able to keep strictly to schedule.
If you have any questions about the examination, do not hesitate to ask the radiologist/radiographer attending to you.
After the scan, you may resume normal activities.
The radiologist will review the images and report the findings to your physician, who will then discuss the results with you on your next appointment.
For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.
Ultrasound has difficulty penetrating bone and therefore can only see the outer surface of bony structures and not what lies within. Ultrasound waves do not pass through air; therefore an evaluation of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine may be limited. Intestinal gas may also prevent visualization of deeper structures such as the pancreas and aorta.
Patients suffering from obesity are more difficult to image - this is because tissue attenuates (weakens) the sound waves as they pass deeper into the body.
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your email inbox...
