OUR SERVICES

Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is used to study soft tissue structures and investigate, identify and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.

It can sometimes complement other forms of diagnostic scans and because it provides real-time live imaging it’s very effective as a guide during a procedure like a joint injection. Medical Imaging Partnership has a huge amount of experience in delivering ultrasound scans which are carried out by highly experienced specialist radiologists.

OUR SERVICES

Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is used to study soft tissue structures and investigate, identify and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions.

Ultrasound Scan FAQs

You may have concerns or questions about having an Ultrasound scan at Medical Imaging Partnership and we have produced a list of Frequently Asked Questions which we hope you will find useful and will help you feel confident and comfortable.

They are not designed to replace an informed discussion with your own Clinician before your appointment. However, we will be able to answer any questions or concerns about your scan when you arrive for your appointment.

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan is a picture of part of the inside of the body. It uses sound waves of a frequency above the audible range of the human ear. A small hand-held sensor pressed carefully against the skin surface generates sound waves and detects any echoes reflected back off the surfaces and tissues of our internal organs. The sensor can be moved over the skin to view the organs from different angles. The images are displayed on a screen and recorded for subsequent study.

What is ultrasound used for?

Ultrasound images complement other forms of scans and are widely used for many different parts of the body. They can also be used to study blood flow and to detect any narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, for example, in the neck.

Ultrasound is also used for intimate examinations; for example, of the prostate gland in men or the womb or ovaries in women. For some of these examinations, it may be necessary to place a small ultrasound probe in the vagina or the rectum to look at internal structures. If you are having an intimate examination the Clinician will describe the procedure to you before and seek your informed consent.

Who will perform my ultrasound?

Your Clinician is a sonographer or radiologist who has specialised training in the technique of ultrasound. They carry out a great number of these examinations and will provide a descriptive report of their findings to your referring Clinician.

Are there any risks or side-effects from an ultrasound scan?

No. Ultrasound scans are very safe, and there are no known risks.

Do I need to prepare or do anything differently before my ultrasound scan appointment?

When we schedule your appointment we will let you know about anything you need to do differently before your scan and this will be confirmed when we send your appointment letter. For example:

If your pelvis, kidney or bladder are being scanned, you may need to have a full bladder.
For some scans (such as the gallbladder and pancreas) you may be asked to fast for several hours.
If you are diabetic, please bring some food and your medication to the centre.

Please let us know in advance if you have had another ultrasound scan recently.

Can I bring a relative/friend to my ultrasound scan appointment?

Yes, subject to infection control restrictions. However, your relative/friend may be asked to leave the ultrasound room during the examination.

What will happen when I arrive for my ultrasound?

The Clinician will explain what is involved in detail, and you will be able to ask any questions before giving consent to proceed with the examination. For more information about Informed Consent please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/consent-to-treatment/

What will happen during my ultrasound scan?

You will be asked to lie on an examination couch. The lights may be dimmed so that the images on the screen are as sharp as possible.

The Clinician will put some gel on your skin. This allows the sensor to be moved around more easily and helps produce sharper images.

Depending on where you have the scan, you may be asked to take deep breaths and to hold your breath for a few moments. For a bladder scan, if your bladder is not full enough, you may be asked to have another drink.

The Clinician will slowly move the sensor over your skin while looking at the images on the screen. They will record some of these to study in detail later. When it is all done, the gel will be wiped off before you leave.

How long does an ultrasound take?

The scan usually takes around 10-15 minutes and you will need to allow 20 minutes in total for your appointment.

Does an ultrasound scan feel uncomfortable?

Ultrasound itself does not cause any discomfort and apart from the sensor on your skin, you will not feel anything. If you have been asked to come to your appointment with a full bladder, it may be a little uncomfortable. Similarly, if we need to apply pressure over an inflamed organ (such as your gallbladder), you may feel some discomfort whilst that is being done.

Can I eat and drink after my ultrasound scan?

Yes, you can eat and drink as normal.

When will I get the results from my ultrasound scan?

The images will be examined after your visit, and a written report sent to your referring Clinician.

Does Medical Imaging Partnership provide ultrasound scans for pregnant women?

No, we do not offer obstetric ultrasound scans at Medical Imaging Partnership.

Making an appointment

Ultrasound scans for NHS patients

If you are an NHS patient and are having an ultrasound scan at a Medical Imaging Partnership site or centre, you will need a referral from your GP or specialist.

Please contact the team at our Referral Management Centre on 01243 534 043 if your GP has given you a reference number to make a booking. Otherwise, we will be in touch when we have received your referral centrally.

Medical Imaging Partnership also works in partnership with a number of NHS providers supporting them in the delivery of their diagnostic requests. They may have transferred your care to us and we will be in touch with you to arrange a convenient time, date and location for us to undertake your investigation.

Learn more

Booking an appointment for a private ultrasound scan

We offer ultrasound scans to patients with private medical insurance, or those who wish to self-pay.

Appointments for a private ultrasound scan at Medical Imaging Partnership are available at short notice and reports are usually turned around within 24-48 hours.

If you would like to make an appointment for an ultrasound scan, please click and complete the ‘Request An Appointment’ form or call us on 01293 534 043.

To arrange an ultrasound scan with Medical Imaging Partnership you will need written referral from a healthcare professional. If you do not have a referral, please contact our team who will be happy to discuss your options.

Request an appointment