ULTRASOUND
view print-friendly versionWhat Is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is just like normal sound except that it is of a higher pitch than the human ear can detect. These high frequency sound waves are passed through the area of the body that is being examined and reflect back at different rates from different densities. Fluid for example has a different reflection rate than muscle tissue. The reflecting sound waves are picked up by the ultrasound machine and entered into a computer which uses the information to construct images.
Ultrasound is an extremely safe and non invasive method of imaging as it does not emit any radiation. As a result it is the method used to assess the development of unborn babies as imaging techniques that involve radiation may harm the foetus.
What does Ultrasound show?
Ultrasounds are used to detect the structure of internal organs, muscles and tendons and unborn babies.
Doppler ultrasounds measure the flow of blood through blood vessels and are usually used to detect narrowing of arteries, blood clots and the direction of blood flow.
What happens during the examination?
Ultrasounds are performed by specialist staff called Sonographers who have specialist training and are experienced in ultrasound. Due to the complex nature of ultrasound imaging, X-RAY & IMAGING sonographers all have a minimum of 10 years ultrasound experience.
Once in the ultrasound room the sonographer will apply contact gel to the area being examined. Contact gel is a water based gel that is used to ensure there is no air between the skin and the ultrasound equipment. As the sound waves from the ultrasound machine do not travel through air, the contact gel ensures that the images taken are clear and accurate. Although the gel does not cause any pain it may feel cool on your skin when it is first applied.
The Sonographer then uses a marker pen shaped tool called a transducer to take the images. These images are then displayed on a screen in front of you. As the images are being produced constantly during the examination, it often takes a few minutes for the Sonographer to find the exact area which requires investigation. Once this has been done the images are reported upon by the Radiologist and your films are developed.
Ultrasound examinations cause no pain or discomfort and are extremely safe. The time taken for ultrasounds to be taken varies with procedure and specific cases but in most cases you should be out of the practice with your film and report within an hour.
Do I have to do any preparation before I have an Ultrasound?
Most ultrasounds do require some preparation to ensure that the images are accurate. Click on the type of ultrasound you need to see if there is any preparation required from you.
Do I have to make an appointment for an Ultrasound?
Yes. Not all ultrasounds are available on every day at all X-RAY & IMAGING practices. Therefore it is essential that you book an appointment at the centre before you go.
Where can I get my ultrasound examination?
Most ultrasounds are available at all X-RAY & IMAGING centers. Click on the type of ultrasound that you require to see where you can have this examination. X-Ray and Imaging bulk bill all ultrasounds to all Medicare, DVA and work cover patients with a valid doctor's referral (with the exception of Nuchal Translucency)
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RELATED LINKS: 4D Ultrasound, Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, Abdomen/ Liver Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasound, Core Biopsy, Testes/ Scrotal Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, Carotid Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Extremities, Renal Ultrasound, Nuchal Translucency, Thyroid Ultrasound, Obstetric Ultrasound, FNA.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
+ X-Ray
Bone X-Ray,
Chest X-Ray,
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
+ Ultrasound
4D,
Mammogram,
Breast,
Abdomen/ Liver,
Doppler,
Core Biopsy,
Testes/ Scrotal,
Echocardiogram,
Carotid,
Pelvic,
Extremities,
Renal,
Nuchal Translucency,
Thyroid,
Obstetric (Pregnancy),
FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration)
+ CT Scan
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