Non-Obstetric Ultrasound Scan (NOUS)

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What is an ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound is a very safe and well tolerated procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. It is used to detect changes in the look, size or outline of organs, tissues and vessels, or to detect abnormal masses. It is a painless examination with no known harmful effects to humans.

What preparation is required for an ultrasound scan?

Before having some types of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions to help improve the quality of the images produced. You will probably be asked to prepare for your scan by either fasting or attending with a full bladder (depending on the examination) and to wear loose fitting clothing.

This information will be provided in your appointment letter and you can find the preparation required below.

What do we need to know before the scan?

If you are having an internal scan and are allergic to latex, it is important to inform our ultrasound team. In these cases, the team will use a latex-free probe cover.

What happens at the appointment and during an ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound examinations are usually painless and easily tolerated by most patients. Most types of ultrasound examinations are completed within 15 to 30 minutes and are performed by either a Radiologist or a Sonographer.

When you arrive at our clinic for your appointment, our Sonographer/Radiologist and the Diagnostic Imaging Assistant will provide you with a full briefing on what will happen during your appointment.

In most cases, you will lie on a medical couch and the Sonographer will apply a water-based gel on the area to be scanned and then pass a small handheld probe over the skin and over the part of the body being examined. For some pelvic female examinations, an internal scan (vaginal scan) may also be suggested.

A chaperone is available for all intimate scans.

After the ultrasound scan

After the ultrasound scan has been completed, the images will be reviewed by the sonographer/radiologist who performed the scan and a report will be produced and sent to your doctor, usually within 24-48 hours.

There are no restrictions on normal activity. You can eat and drink normally, drive and return to work immediately after the scan.

Follow-up examinations may be necessary and recommendations may be included in your report. Sometimes a follow-up exam is performed because a suspicious or questionable finding needs clarification with additional views or a special imaging technique.

A follow-up examination may also be necessary so that any change in a known abnormality can be monitored over time. Follow-up examinations are sometimes the best way to see if treatment is working or if an abnormality is stable over time. The report will be sent to your doctor.

Ultrasound FAQs

How long does an ultrasound scan take?

The ultrasound scan takes 15 to 30 minutes during which time you may be asked to change position to allow the area to be examined from different angles.

What will I feel during the ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound scans are a simple examination; they are non-invasive and are not painful. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined.

Are there any risks from the ultrasound scan?

For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.

What does the equipment look like?

The ultrasound scanner consists of a console (computer), a video display screen and a transducer (probe) that is used to scan the body.

How and when will I receive the ultrasound scan / test results?

The ultrasound scan report will be sent to your GP or referring clinician usually within 24-48 hours of the examination.

Diagnostic Healthcare Ltd.
The Royals, 353 Altrincham Road, Sharston, Manchester M22 4BJ
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