What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves NOT X-rays to image the areas requested. This is a quick and painless procedure.
The Sonographer will apply a warm clear gel and use an ultrasound probe to image the area requested. A tissue will be provided to remove the gel. The Sonographer will report your examination, and this will be sent to your doctor.
Please see guidance below on what preparation is needed prior to our Ultrasound Scans.
Should you not be clear about which scan you are having, please either refer to your appointment letters or phone our reception team on: 01306 735459
Please note: We do not scan children under 16 years of age
Abdominal Scan only (including Abdo Aorta)
Preparation Needed: In preparation for your scan, we ask you to not eat for 6 hours before your appointment. Drink only water if you are thirsty or need to take medication.
Guidance Notes: * If you are DIABETIC, please see the extra information at the bottom of this table.
Renal Scan only – Your doctor has requested a scan of your kidneys and bladder.
Preparation Needed: In preparation for your scan, we require that you: Drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to the scan; arrive with a full bladder. Do NOT go to the toilet to empty bladder before scan.
Abdominal and Renal Scan (combined)
Preparation Needed: In preparation for your scan we require that you: Do not eat food for 6 hours before your examination. (Drink Water if you are thirsty or need to take medication). Then, 1 hour before your scan, drink 2 pints of water and keep your bladder full. Do NOT go to the toilet to empty bladder before scan.
Guidance Notes: * If you are DIABETIC, please see the extra information at the bottom of this table.
Transvaginal Scan only – Your doctor has requested an internal Ultrasound scan of your Uterus (Womb) and Ovaries.
Preparation Needed: Internal Scan – There is no preparation for this scan other than to arrive with an empty bladder. Please Note: A transvaginal ultrasound can still be done if you are bleeding. External Scan – In this case, we will need you to arrive with a full bladder. Please drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to the scan and keep your bladder full.
Guidance Notes: An ultrasound probe, similar in size to a tampon, covered with a single-use, non-latex sheath and sterile lubricant, is inserted into the vagina. This should not be painful. This type of ultrasound can give us a clearer image and is the preferred examination in certain situations. Should you wish to decline an internal scan, or if you are a virgin, an external scan on the top of the tummy will be performed and you do not need to empty your bladder.
Pelvic Scan
Preparation Needed: In preparation for your scan, we require that you: Drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to the scan; arrive with a full bladder. Do NOT go to the toilet to empty bladder before scan.
Renal and Transvaginal (TVS) Scan (combined) – Your doctor has requested a scan of your kidneys and bladder and pelvis. This will be done in the same appointment.
Preparation Needed: In preparation for your scan, we require that you: Drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to the scan; arrive with a full bladder. Do NOT go to the toilet to empty bladder before scan. After your Renal scan, you may be asked to have your TVS scan or asked to leave the room to empty your bladder and then return to the room for the TVS scan. Please see above notes for TVS details. Please Note: A transvaginal ultrasound will still be done if you are bleeding.
Guidance Notes: Please read the above advice on transvaginal scans.
Scan of Aorta
Preparation Needed: In preparation for your scan, we ask you to starve for 6 hours and drink water if you are thirsty or need to take medication.
Guidance Notes: * If you are DIABETIC, please see the extra information at the bottom of this table.
Thyroid Scan
Preparation Needed: You do not need to do anything in preparation for your scan.
Testicular/Scrotal Scan
Preparation Needed: You do not need to do anything in preparation for your scan.
Non-specific Scan
Preparation Needed: You do not need to do anything in preparation for your scan
Advice for Diabetics
Some scan types require you to restrict what you eat / drink prior to your scan (Abdominal / Aorta). If you are diabetic please note the following information:
- Request an early slot: Ask for an early time slot to minimize long periods of fasting while awake.
- Medication: Omit your morning dose until after the Ultrasound Scan if possible, but this varies based on your medication and time of appointment.
- Fasting rules: Do not eat anything for 6 hours before the scan. This can be modified to 5 hours if you cannot obtain an early time slot and will struggle with hypoglycemia. You can drink clear fluids (like water), but completely avoid milk, sugary drinks, and fizzy drinks.
Prepare for hypoglycemia: Because you will be fasting, you are at a higher risk of low blood sugar. Always carry your blood glucose monitor, glucose tablets/dextrose, and a snack (like a sandwich) to eat as soon as the scan is complete. If your blood glucose level goes too low before the scan and you feel unwell, take your normal dextrose tablet or drink apple juice. Avoid milk, butter and fatty food.