What is an ultrasound?
Medical diagnostic ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves to create detailed pictures of your internal solid organs and organs that contain fluid. Ultrasound is a safe, painless and accurate diagnostic imaging examination.
What is an abdominal ultrasound examination?
Ultrasound is used to obtained detailed information regarding the structures in your abdomen including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, abdominal aorta and, sometimes, the urinary bladder. Bowel conditions may sometimes be diagnosed but, in general, the bowel is poorly evaluated with ultrasound as it contains gas.
What will happen during my examination?
You will most likely be positioned on the examination bed, lying on your back. A gel is applied to the skin surface in the area that is to be examined. A microphone-shaped instrument – the ultrasound probe - is passed over the gel along the skin surface and it is this probe which sends and receives the sound waves which ultimately create the ultasound pictures. The sonographer/radiologist will record relevant pictures and may take measurements of your internal organs. A typical ultrasound examination will take 15-20 minutes to complete.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves and not ionising radiation to view the internal organs. There are no known harmful effects for the types of standard ultrasound examinations we perform at ScanClinic.
How do I prepare for this scan?
For an abdominal ultrasound examination you are required to have an empty stomach at the time of the examination. This means that you will need to fast for at least 6 hours before your appointed time. A small amount of clear fluid is allowed and you should take any prescribed medications as normal before your scan. Please inform us in advance of your scan if you are diabetic as we will provide you with an early morning appointment.
When will I receive the results?
We endeavour to provide all of our clients with a provisional verbal report of the findings of an examination after the examination is performed. A formal report will be issued by the consultant radiologist within 24-48hrs of the examination. This will be sent securely via email to the clinician who referred you for your examination.
Can I get a copy of the images from the scan to take with me?
Yes. A compact disc containing the images aquired during your examination can be provided to you upon request. A small additional charge (€5) is payable to cover the cost of disc production.