Latest insights
What can I expect from an ultrasound?
An ultrasound examination uses a smooth hand-held device called a transducer that moves across the body being examined.
What can I expect from an ultrasound?
An ultrasound examination uses a smooth hand-held device called a transducer that moves across the body being examined. The transducer transmits the high-frequency sound waves into your body. Different sound waves are reflected from different soft tissue, structures or parts in the body in different ways. These sound waves are converted to electrical impulses that produce a moving image displayed on a screen.
How is the procedure perfomed?
The sonographer who will carry out ultrasound will explain the procedure to you. An ultrasound usually takes approximately 30 minutes, but may be shorter or longer depending on what your doctor has asked to be imaged.
You will be asked to lie down on a bed and the area to be examined is exposed while the rest of the body is covered. Clear gel is applied to the skin, so that the sound waves can pass easily into the area being examined. The sonographer will place the transducer onto this area using gentle pressure. The transducer is moved across the area with a sliding and rotating action to allow the image to project onto the screen.
The sonographer takes still photographs from the moving images on the screen.
During the examination, you might be asked to do some simple movements to improve the quality of the imaging. For example:
- ‘Take a bigger breath’ to assist seeing organs hidden by the rib cage during an abdominal examination.
- During an obstetric examination, you may be asked to roll around to encourage the foetus to roll into a better position for imaging.
- In musculoskeletal ultrasound, you may be asked to do arm or leg movements to try and determine where your pain might be coming from.
If any of these movements cause you concern or discomfort, you should let the sonographer know immediately.
What are the risks associated with an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a safe examination that provides excellent imaging without any significant risk to the patient.
If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure, please direct any questions to your referring doctor or our technical staff who will attend to you prior to the commencement of the procedure.