Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses inaudible sound waves to investigate the organs and soft tissues of the body. This accurate diagnostic tool is harmless and non-irritating to adults and children alike.

Overview

Marina’s sonographers are highly qualified and experienced in all aspects of ultrasonography. Some of the many ultrasound scans performed by our knowledgeable staff include: musculoskeletal, vascular, abdominal, obstetrics and gynaecological and liver fibrosis scans. Marina has both female and male sonographers who are sensitive to the various needs of our patients, to ensure the most comfortable experience for you.

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Ultrasound Preparation

When attending your appointment, please bring your referral from your medical practitioner, Medicare card and all other relevant health care cards, and any existing films or reports relating to the region being scanned. To allow adequate time to conduct the procedure, please ensure you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.

Preparation is dependent on the area of the body you are having scanned, and our staff will inform you of these specifics when booking your appointment. Unless otherwise advised, continue taking your usual medications and please see below for an overview of the preparation you may be asked to adhere to:

1Bladder, kidney, lower abdomen and pelvic ultrasounds

To optimise imaging, a full bladder is required for these scans. It is therefore necessary to drink 1L of water one hour before the scan and abstain from using the toilet.

2Obstetric ultrasounds

To optimise imaging, a full bladder is required for these scans. It is therefore necessary to drink 500ml of water one hour before the scan and abstain from using the toilet. In some circumstances, an internal ultrasound may be required, which your sonographer will discuss with you prior to your scan.

3Gynaecological ultrasounds

Internal ultrasounds require an empty bladder, hence you will be asked to use the toilet before your scan.

4Upper abdominal ultrasounds

This includes ultrasounds of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. For these examinations, fasting is necessary, therefore you are required to not eat, drink or smoke 8 hours prior to your scan. Please inform our staff at the time of booking if you are a diabetic.

5Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasounds

Typically, no specific preparation is required for musculoskeletal examinations which include scans of the abdomen (lumps), hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm, shoulder, foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh and hip.

Scanning

To assist with conduction of the ultrasound waves, ultrasound gel will be applied to the region of your body being examined. A hand held probe, which transmits, receives and consolidates the ultrasound waves, will then be moved over this area. This process does not cause any discomfort or pain. It typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete the investigation and obtain the images required.

As the name would suggest, internal ultrasounds differ from a standard ultrasound, in that they investigate an internal body cavity. The details of the scan are best discussed with one of our staff members, or your referring doctor prior to the study.

Results

Your referring practitioner will receive the images from the scan immediately via our online portal. Once one of our specialist doctors (radiologist) has reviewed and assessed your scan, the report will be sent to your practitioner either electronically, or by fax.

Following your scan, Marina strongly advises that you return to your physician to discuss your results and subsequent treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Does ultrasound use radiation?

No. Ultrasounds operate by transmitting and collecting inaudible ultrasound waves which are both harmless and non-irritating to adults, children and even unborn babies

2Is the sonographer able to check other areas that I have concerns about?

No. The sonographer is only able to investigate the region/s specified on your referral form by your practitioner. However, should you have any other questions or areas of concern, please discuss these with your sonographer as they may assist in the diagnosis of the condition being investigated.

3Am I allowed to eat before having a pelvic/obstetric ultrasound?

Yes. Eating is permitted before a pelvic/obstetric ultrasound. You are however, required to have a full bladder for the study. Thus you will need to drink 500ml of water 1 hour before the scan and refrain from using the toilet prior to the examination.

4What is considered a high risk result?

The risk of a chromosomal anomaly being present is considered high if it is calculated to be greater than 1 in 300 (eg. 1 in 100) however, this does not mean that a chromosomal abnormality is definitely present. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and offer you the option to undergo further prenatal investigations (such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis). Again, this is an individual and personal decision.

5Can my sonographer tell me the results from the scan?

You will receive all findings from your scan from your referring practitioner. The responsibility of the sonographer is to perform and produce high quality images for the radiologist to interpret.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300 0 XRAYS