Answers to all your questions about ultrasounds
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves, which are inaudible to humans, to create images inside of the body. The sound waves are sent in to the body and bounces back (or echoes) off the different tissues it passes through. This echo gives the ultrasound image its features, with varying shades of grey, representing different densities.
An ultrasound enables us to see your organs, blood vessels and tissue by using high frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside your body. These sound waves create echoes, which are recorded and displayed in real time on a monitor. Ultrasound doesn’t use radiation and is completely safe. For this reason, it is commonly used to evaluate fetal development during pregnancy. It is also used to examine internal organs such as the kidneys, bladder, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, ovaries and the thyroid gland. It can also help diagnose issues with soft tissues, tendons, muscles and blood vessels.
As it generates a real time moving image, it is particularly useful in the diagnosis of circulatory problems, i.e. blood flow through your arteries and veins – this is known as a doppler ultrasound.
For most ultrasound exams, you will be asked to lie on an examination table that can be tilted or moved.
The Sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the area of the body being studied. The gel will help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The transducer is placed on the body and moved back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.
There is usually no discomfort from pressure while the transducer is pressed against the area being examined.
Once the imaging is complete, the clear ultrasound gel will be wiped off your skin. Any portions that are not wiped off will dry to a powder. The ultrasound gel does not stain or discolour clothing.
Transvaginal ultrasound: Sometimes an internal examination is required to further assess the female pelvis and for pregnancy confirmation/location (less than 7 weeks). On the occasions when this is recommended, the process will be explained and signed permission from you will be sought.
Our support person policy is to ensure the best medical care possible for you. Therefore, you may bring a maximum of 2 support people with you to your appointment. Children are included in that limit but must have another adult present to supervise.
Surcharges apply to ACC and Third Party accepted claims and some pregnancy scans, the amount is dependent on what scan you are booking. If you choose to have your scan prior to receiving approval from ACC and the claim gets declined, the private cost of the ultrasound will be billed to you.
We are Southern Cross affiliated and can arrange approval on your behalf and inform you of any shortfall.
If you are paying privately, please refer to our price list.
All accounts must be settled on the day of your appointment.
We are open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. We are closed on statutory holidays.
You will need a request form, completed and signed by a Medical Practitioner e.g your GP, midwife, physiotherapist etc. Then simply complete our online form or call Onsite Ultrasound to make the appropriate appointment.
For pregnancy scans a Midwife or GP referral is essential. For other scans, a referral is necessary from a GP or other appropriate Clinician, such as a Physiotherapist, Chiropractor or Osteopath.
Referral forms need to be emailed to us prior to your appointment. If you are unable to email it, you must bring it with you on the day. If you arrive to your appointment without your form, we may not be able to scan you and you will have to reschedule.
For an external ultrasound, this is usually painless. If you are required to have a full bladder during your scan, there may be some discomfort. You may experience slight discomfort during an internal scan.
An ultrasound scan usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes (depending on the examination requested). You will be informed of the length of time when booking your appointment.
Many scans require no preparation but some will require preparation by the patient, such as;
Pregnancy (up to 14 weeks), Pelvis, Renal Scans – You need to arrive to your appointment with a full bladder. One hour before your appointment, empty your bladder and then drink 3-4 large glasses of water within 15 minutes. Do not empty your bladder before your scan. Abdomen (liver/gallbladder),
Abdominal Aorta Scans – Please do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your appointment. You may have sips of water and continue to take your regular medication if required.
The use of phones and cameras is strictly prohibited in our scanning rooms. Mobile phones must be switched off or put on aeroplane mode. We can send images and a short video recording of your scan to your phone or email for a small fee, please ask one of our receptionists about this at the time of your appointment.