The Ultrasound Scan

What is an ultrasound scan?

• An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to give a picture of the inside of the body
• A small sensor is moved over your skin to look at your internal organs from different angles and the pictures are shown on a screen
• Ultrasound scans are used to look at many different parts of the body including the liver, pelvic organs, kidneys, joints and gallbladder. They can also be used to look at blood flow and to check for any thin or blocked blood vessels
• Click here to watch a quick overview video

Who will I see?

• A small team, including a sonographer (a medical professional who operates the ultrasonic imaging equipment), will look after you during your visit
• The sonographer will look at the images on the screen during the procedure and then write a report on what they have found
• The sonographer may not be the same sex as you and, in these cases, it's normal for another health professional (a chaperone) to be in the room with you while you have your scan. If there isn’t a chaperone, you can ask for one

Is it safe?

• There are no known risks and ultrasound scans are thought to be safe

Do I need an injection?

• No, you'll not need an injection

Before the scan

• You may need to prepare for the scan. For example, if your pelvis, kidneys or bladder are to be scanned, you may need to make sure that you have a full bladder during your scan
• In some cases, for example if you're having a scan to look at your gall bladder or pancreas, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a number of hours before the scan. If so, this will be explained in your appointment letter
• You should tell the sonographer before the scan if you've had a similar ultrasound within the last six months
• You should also let us know about any special needs you might have - for example, if you need wheelchair access, you're hard of hearing, or you have poor eyesight
• If you're diabetic, please contact the radiology department or Bookings Team for advice

What happens during my appointment?

• When you arrive you should go to the reception desk - please bring your appointment letter which may have details of who to ask for
• Please remember that if we've told you that you need to have a full bladder you shouldn't go to the toilet until after the scan. If you start to feel uncomfortable, please let a member of staff know
• A member of staff will explain the procedure to you
• If you need to take any clothes off before the scan, we'll show you to a private changing room or ask you to change in the examination room. We may ask you to put a gown on
• We'll ask you to lie down on a bed and we'll dim the lights so that we can see the pictures on the screen more clearly
• We'll put a cool, water-based gel on to your skin over the area that’s going to be scanned. This will help the sensor slide easily over your skin
• We'll ask you to lie in a position that's suitable for your scan. We'll help you into the correct position if you need us to
• We may ask you to breathe deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds
• If your bladder isn't full enough, we may ask you to drink more liquid

Will it be uncomfortable?

• Ultrasound scans don't cause any pain or discomfort
• If we need you to have a full bladder, this may make you feel uncomfortable
• If you're having an ultrasound scan because you've got abdominal (stomach) or pelvis pain, we may need to apply some pressure on the skin over the area to check what's causing the pain. This may be uncomfortable, but only during the scan

After the scan

• After your scan you can eat and drink normally

How long will it take?

• The scan usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes (unless there's a delay, for example if your bladder isn't full enough when you arrive)
• Your appointment should last no longer than an hour

Are there any side effects?

• No. After your scan, you can drive and go home or back to work

When will I get the results?

• If appropriate, the sonographer may discuss the findings with you but, in many cases, the Doctor will wish to do this themselves
• We'll then send the images and report to a radiologist who'll send the final report on the findings to your doctor or consultant, normally five working days after you have the scan
• You'll need to make an appointment with your doctor or consultant to get your results

Can I bring a relative or friend?

• Yes, you can bring someone with you to your scan
• Children won't be allowed into the room while you're having the scan, so you should make arrangements for them before your appointment

More videos from AMTV

Learn more

• AMTV: Patient Channel - browse our patient video gallery here
• Scan Dictionary - an A-Z of common terms
• Find your location - find your location here
• Arrange a scan - if you'd like to arrange a scan for yourself, find out more here
• Infection control - learn what we're doing to keep you safe here
• Got a question, query or concern? Just contact us, we'd be delighted to help