What to expect
Before
You need a referral from your doctor, physio or midwife to be able to book an appointment for the scan.
Some ultrasound examinations need no preparation. Preparation is required for certain scans.
For early pregnancy, pelvic and kidney scans, your bladder needs to be full in order to optimally view your pelvic organs. The best way to achieve a full bladder is to first empty your bladder one and a half hours prior to your appointment. Then drink one litre of water (4–5 glasses) over the next half hour. Ingestion of water should be completed one hour prior to the examination. Please do not go to the toilet.
For scans of your abdomen, such as the gallbladder, it is important you do not eat or drink anything for six hours beforehand.
For vascular ultrasounds, prior vascular imaging reports are essential if available.
For a musculoskeletal ultrasound, generally no preparation is required.
During
On arrival, present to reception with your referral form if you or your referrer have not already sent it through. You may be given a consent form to complete. The examination usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on the area to be scanned. You may be asked to change into a gown.
Water-based gel is applied on your skin over the area to be examined. The sonographer uses a transducer over the gel to scan and acquire images as required.
For pregnancy scans, as this is an important medical examination, it is best to give your sonographer some time to focus on the examination before asking questions. You are not able to record your scan but if you requested we can email you a link to our Patient Portal so you can view your ultrasound images online.
After
You will be able to resume your normal activities after the ultrasound scan. Results of your scan will be sent to your doctor as soon as possible. You can also request a copy of your results once they are available.