Ultrasound

Ultrasound scans use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the structures inside your body. Your radiologist will apply a  cool jelly to the skin above the area being scanned. This prevents the formation of air pockets which can block the sound waves.

We press the ultrasound probe gently against the area and move it around slowly. This enables the radiologist to get a good look at what is going on inside. Ultrasound works by sending sound waves into your body and collecting the ones that bounce back. These are turned into images on the computer. The procedure is quick, painless and safe. It normally takes around 30 minutes.

You might need an ultrasound to:

• Diagnose a condition affecting your bones, soft tissues, major organs or blood vessels.
• Support accurate positioning of a therapeutic injection or drain insertion.
• Assist in obtaining a biopsy.

This may vary depending on the type of ultrasound scan we give you. For example, you may need to have a full bladder for some types of pelvic scans. Alternatively you might need to avoid food or drink for a few hours if we are giving you a gallbladder ultrasound. Your appointment letter will explain what to do.

Before your scan we may be ask you to remove items of jewellery from the area to be scanned and to remove some items of clothing. We will ask you to lie down on the examination table and we will apply a cool jelly to the skin above the area to be scanned. The radiographer will hold the ultrasound probe over the area and then move it around gently.

Ultrasound scans are a safe procedure that use sound waves rather than radiation so they can be used even during pregnancy.

We use leading edge imaging technologies to improve the accuracy and efficacy of certain types of minimally-invasive pinhole treatments. Ultrasound imaging is used for treatments such as ultrasound guided suprapubic catheter insertion, image guided joint and soft tissue injections and image guided nerve root injections.