An ultrasound scan performed by an ultrasonographer, obtains images of the body without the use of x-rays. It uses high frequency sound waves which pass through the skin and are reflected by the internal organs. Using a computer, the resulting ‘echoes’ are converted into pictures on the screen.
During the examination, ultrasound gel is applied to the area of interest and then a small handheld probe is placed on your skin and moved over the part of the body being examined. Depending on the type of ultrasound you are having, the scan can take between 10 minutes to an hour. In order to prepare for some ultrasound scans you may be instructed to not eat anything, to avoid certain foods beforehand, or you may be required to drink water and attend with a full bladder. Please read your appointment letter carefully for any necessary preparation.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
For some examinations we will need to know if you may be pregnant or breast-feeding. This is to make sure that any radiation risk to the fetus or baby is kept as low as possible. We don’t always need to ask. It will de-pend on the examination you are having if you are asked whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
When the benefit to you clearly out-weighs the small risk from the radiation the examination may go ahead after dis-cussing all the options with you. The risk of not carrying out the examination can be much greater than the small risk from radiation.
If you are breastfeeding and need to have a nuclear medicine examination, you may need to stop feeding for a while, or stop altogether. You will be giv-en advice and guidance on any precautions that you need to take.
In line with both Public Health Wales and Health Board guidance, children are not permitted in the scan room during your ultrasound procedure. Please make alternative childcare arrangements as there is no facility within Radiology.
Car parking on the hospital sites is very challenging and can take considerable time. Please allow sufficient time to park or consider arranging for someone to drop you off.
Due to the high number of ultrasound appointments that are booked throughout the day, if you are late for your examination, it may not be possible to see you and you may then need to make an alternative appointment for a different day.
Ultrasound Clinics: