For Patients
Patient Preparation.
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce images of structures in the body. This test will be performed by Dr McConnell or a sonographer, depending on the type of scan you are having.
How long will my scan take?
Generally, most ultrasound exams will take between 15 minutes to an hour. Depending on the complexity of the examination more time may be required.
How to prepare for your scan
Instructions for all patients:
- Wear clothing that will provide easy access to the specific area of the body being imaged.
- Bring with you any previous scans and reports, these will be used for comparison and assessment.
- If you are a diabetic or take any medication that you think may affect your examination, please call the practice to discuss this with Dr McConnell. Special instructions may be given under these circumstances.
- When the instructions indicate you need to fast, this means do not eat or drink for the specified time.
There are different preparation instructions depending on the type of ultrasound you are having, and the body area being scanned.
These are listed below:
Purpose:
Assess the gallbladder, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and aorta.
Preparation:
- Fast 6 hours before your appointment.
- Different preparation for paediatrics ─ please ask our staff when booking an appointment.
Purpose:
Assess muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body.
Preparation:
- No preparation is required.
Purpose:
Evaluate the uterus, ovaries and their surrounding anatomy.
Preparation:
- Fast from food for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
- 1.5 hours prior to your appointment, empty your bladder
- Then drink 1 litre of water – do not empty your bladder after drinking this fluid.
*Please note that for pelvic ultrasounds, a specially designed transducer (probe) may be used for a gentle internal examination to obtain more detailed images.
Purpose:
Assess the kidneys and bladder (including prostate for males).
Preparation:
- Fast from food for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
- 1.5 hours prior to your appointment, empty your bladder
- Then drink 1 litre of water – do not empty your bladder after drinking this fluid.
Purpose:
Evaluates the blood flow to the kidneys through the renal artery.
Preparation:
- These scans are performed in the morning.
- Please fast for 6 hours prior to your appointment.
Purpose:
Investigating testicular abnormalities and evaluates surrounding tissues.
Preparation:
- No preparation is required.
Purpose:
Evaluates the size of the thyroid gland and looks for thyroid nodules.
Preparation:
- No preparation is required.
Purpose:
Evaluates the body’s circulatory system by monitoring the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body.
Vascular Ultrasound provides a non-invasive means to evaluate blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins or plaque in arteries.
Preparation:
- No preparation is required.
What can I expect?
When you arrive for your appointment:
- The sonographer will meet you in the reception and walk to you to the examination room (you may be asked a few brief questions relating to your symptoms and past medical history).
- You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the sonographer will apply gel to the area of your body being scanned.
- Images are taken using a transducer which will move across the area that requires scanning.
- These images are recorded and displayed on a computer screen for the sonographer.
Dr McConnell may come into the examination room to view the images and speak with you if the scan is part of your consultation.
Following your scan
A radiologist will interpret all the images taken during the examination and write a formal report.
The results will be forwarded to your doctor.