What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound examinations can be performed on most parts of the body and provide excellent information about a variety of conditions – from pregnancy to gallstones, 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 colour) images. The sonographer uses a transducer (a hand-held device which produces and receives the sound waves) to produce the images. Ultrasound shows anatomy in “real-time” showing movement.
Ultrasound is particularly useful in pregnancy as there is no ionising radiation or known harmful effects.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, appointments are essential as some Ultrasounds need preparations.
What should I expect when I arrive for my appointment?
To enable good contact between the ultrasound transducer and the patient, a layer of gel is spread over the area to be examined, therefore patients may be asked to change into a gown. After the examination, the gel is simply wiped from the skin so that it does not mark clothing. The gel is water soluble and thus easily washed out of clothes if any contact is made.
How long does it take?
Ultrasound examinations take approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, they may take up to one hour in some cases. Ultrasound of the blood vessels may take up to one and a half hours.
Is there any special preparation?
Depending on the ultrasound examination requested, patients may be asked to fast from food and fluids. Some examinations require the patient to drink a significant amount of water prior to arriving to ensure your bladder is full. Patients will be advised of the appropriate preparation when making the appointment, but some guidelines are listed below.
Pregnancy, Renal or Pelvic
• MUST HAVE A FULL BLADDER AT APPOINTMENT TIME.
• Drink 1 litre of CLEAR fluid one hour before study. MUST NOT empty bladder.
• Exception: In patients of advanced pregnancy (after 24 weeks) only moderate bladder filling is required.
Abdominal
• Nothing to eat, drink or smoke for six hours prior to appointment.
Duplex Leg Arterial, Renal Arteries, Abdominal Doppler
• Nothing to eat or smoke for six hours prior to appointment.
How much does it cost?
Dr Glenn and Partners offers bulk billing and concessions for some of its services. The cost of your examination depends on several factors which will be clarified when you make a booking or arrive at the practice.
What to bring:
• Referral from your doctor.
• Previous films and/or reports. If you have had a previous examination in our practice, these can be electronically retrieved, and you do not need to bring them with you.
• Method of payment including Medicare, Health or Pension Card.
• For WorkCover claims, you will need the claim number, claim officer’s name and phone number, and any other relevant details.
