Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a widely used and effective tool for examining a variety of body areas and organs. It does not use any ionizing radiation and works by sending high frequency sound waves into the body through a handheld probe or transducer.

CitiScan Radiology uses the latest imaging ultrasound systems providing enhanced image quality for medical diagnosis in a wide range of areas including abdominal, obstetrics and gynaecology, vascular, musculoskeletal, and other soft tissue areas of the body.

  • General ultrasound
  • Obstetric (pregnancy)
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Vascular (veins and arteries)
  • Paediatric (children)
  • Interventional (ultrasound-guided procedures)

Depending on the area to be scanned you may be asked to follow special instructions.

The preparation may include drinking fluids or fasting before your test. You will be given all the relevant information when making your appointment, but we’ve provided an overview below.

Pelvis, lower abdomen, kidney or bladder ultrasounds require you to have a full bladder. It is necessary to drink 600-800ml of water at least one hour prior to the scan and refrain from going to the toilet.

Gynaecological ultrasounds require you to have a full bladder. It is necessary to drink 600-800ml of water at least one hour prior to the scan and refrain from going to the toilet. In some instances, an internal ultrasound is required and is performed with an empty bladder. The sonographer will discuss this option with you.

Upper abdominal ultrasounds such as liver, gallbladder or pancreas require you to fast (i.e. no eating, drinking or smoking for four hours prior to the examination). All medications should be taken prior to the fasting period. If you are a diabetic, please discuss this with our booking consultants.

Liver Elastography examinations require you to fast for 6 hours prior to your examination. Please do not have anything to eat, drink, smoke or chew during the fasting period. Medications should be taken prior to the fasting period.

Musculoskeletal ultrasounds (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, hand and wrist, hip, thigh, knee, calf, ankle and foot) usually require no special preparation.

You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area of the body being scanned.

The Sonographer performing the examination may begin by taking a history of your complaint. Ultrasound gel will then be applied to the area of interest and an ultrasound transducer will be used to scan the relevant anatomy.

For each body area there is a routine series of images that will be sought. There may be times when the sonographer scans areas that are not tender to build up a complete understanding of your complaint and to look for causes of referred pain.

Our Radiologist will review the images and issue a report. Once completed, the report will be sent electronically to your referring health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your original request form
  • Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards
  • Previous relevant imaging & blood test results

There are no associated side effects with ultrasound examination.

30 minutes.