Ultrasound is a medical diagnostic modality which utilises soundwaves to acquire information. It is a readily accessible, painless tool that can be used to detect many abnormalities without using ionizing radiation. Its applications are varied and multiple, ranging from general abdominal scans, to vascular, musculoskeletal, gynaecological and obstetric examinations.
What is Colour Doppler ultrasound?
This is a specialised ultrasound examination studying blood flow within the body. It can assist doctors to assess the blood flow through arteries and veins.
Arriving with adequate preparation
Certain ultrasound examinations require appropriate preparation prior to your appointment to ensure optimal assessment of various anatomic structures. For example, you will be requested to fast for a minimum of 6 hours prior to an abdominal examination to allow the gallbladder to be adequately visualised for the assessment of certain pathology such as stones or polyps. Failure to fast adequately in this case will result in a contracted gallbladder and subsequently result in a suboptimal examination.
Our receptionist will inform you at the time of booking of any preparations that may be required.
Why have I been asked to drink a litre of water for my pelvic/renal ultrasound?
A comfortably full bladder is required to provide a uniform acoustic window for an optimal assessment of the pelvic structures.
What is the preparation for a pelvic/renal ultrasound?
You will need to drink up to one litre of water 60 minutes prior to your scan. Do not empty your bladder prior to the exam.
How long does an examination typically take?
Please allow approximately 30 minutes for each appointment although certain examinations such as morphology (obstetrics) or vascular examinations such as leg arteries or varicose veins require 45 minute appointments.
