Are there any risks?

There are no known risks associated with ultrasound scans.

Are you required to make any special preparations in advance?

Different scans may require different forms of preparation.

In the case of a pelvis, kidney, or bladder scans you may need a full bladder. Full instructions for this will be provided in your appointment letter.
For other examinations such as gallbladder and pancreas scans, fasting may be required for several hours before the scan.

This will also be detailed in your appointment letter.

What happens during the scan?

The scanning room will have dimmed lights to enhance the visibility of the images. A gel is applied to the skin over the area to be scanned to allow the probe to slide easily and produce clearer pictures.

Depending on the scan your healthcare provider has requested, you may be asked to take deep breaths and hold them briefly. For internal exams, a probe may be inserted into the vagina. The sonographer will obtain your consent beforehand.

After the scan

Following the scan, you may resume your regular activities. You can eat and drink as normal.

The report will be sent to the clinician who referred you.

Important Considerations

Sonographer: 
Please note that a chaperone of the same sex as the patient will be present for all internal scan. Please inform us of any preferences or concerns before your appointment.

Transport:
If you are a hospital transport patient, please contact the transport team to arrange this on: 0300 100 0015.

If you are unable to arrange for hospital transport yourself, please contact our booking office as we will need to rearrange your appointment on: 01865 226644.

Support: 
You can bring a relative or friend, but they may not be allowed in the room during an internal examination. We also ask that you refrain from bringing any unsupervised children to your appointment.

Additional Resources

• Further information is available on the NHS Conditions website
• For general information about radiology departments, visit The Royal College of Radiologists website 
• For health advice or information you can call NHS Direct on: 0845 45647 or visit