At CUH, ultrasound examinations are performed by highly trained healthcare professionals and play an important role in the diagnosis and management of many conditions.
Ultrasound uses high‑frequency sound waves to produce real‑time images of the inside of your body. It is a very safe procedure, is non-invasive and does not use radiation.
Ultrasound scans can help to:
- Make a diagnosis, including finding the cause of pain, swelling or infection.
- Support decisions about your treatment.
- Monitor an existing condition.
Ultrasound can also be used to guide certain procedures, such as taking a biopsy or draining fluid, helping ensure that these are carried out safely and accurately.
What will happen on the day of the procedure?
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. These images help your healthcare team examine the area being investigated.
During the scan, a healthcare professional places a small handheld device called a probe (or transducer) on your skin and gently moves it over the area being examined. Before the scan, a water-based gel is applied to your skin. This helps the probe move smoothly and improves the quality of the images.
The probe sends sound waves into your body. These sound waves bounce off organs and tissues and return to the probe. A computer uses these returning sound waves, called echoes, to create real-time images on a monitor. These images can help with diagnosis and treatment planning.
Staff you are likely to meet
Our team includes experienced male and female consultant radiologists and sonographers. Many have specialist expertise in advanced ultrasound imaging. We also help train student sonographers and radiology registrars. All trainees are closely supervised by a qualified member of staff throughout your examination.
If you would prefer not to be examined by a trainee, please tell us. This will not affect your care in any way.
For intimate examinations, a chaperone will be present in line with hospital policy. You can also request a chaperone for any examination. If you would like a chaperone, please let a member of staff know.
How long will I be in the department?
Most examinations take 10 to 20 minutes. A biopsy or interventional procedure may take 30 minutes.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment to allow time to be checked in at the reception desk. Please note that it may not be possible to perform your scan if you arrive late for your appointment.
The ultrasound department operates a number of different lists so you may not be called through in order of your arrival.
Preparation for procedure/ examination
In order to get the best images, we may ask you to prepare before your examination. The details of the preparation will be included in your appointment letter, on MyChart or Patient Information Leaflet, so please read it carefully.
Risks
Ultrasound uses sound waves and is a safe diagnostic tool for adults, children and pregnant women. No radiation is used.
Benefits
Ultrasound scans provide doctors with information to help them diagnose a variety of conditions. The procedures/examinations may help to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis, or occasionally identify a condition that was not suspected.
More information about different Ultrasound scans/procedures
Accessibility requirements
If you require support for your appointment, for example if you find it hard to hear, see or be understood by others, or have any physical needs for example use a wheelchair or need a hoist for transfer - please let the receptionist or healthcare professional know on arrival.
- Contact the accessibility team by email
- telephone: 01223 256998.
Bringing someone with you
Those accompanying you may be required to stay out of the examination room during the procedure and remain in the waiting area. Exceptions may apply, such as for paediatric patients or if you have a full-time carer.
Childcare whilst in the department
Staff are unable to look after or supervise children whilst your procedure/examination is taking place. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children whilst you attend for your procedure/examination.
If you attend an appointment with children with no one to look after them whilst you have your examination/procedure, then your appointment will unfortunately have to be cancelled and rescheduled.
Personal belongings
Patients are advised to bring minimal belongings and not to bring valuable items.
What happens after your appointment?
For each procedure there are different recovery / bed rest periods, please see the link below for your specific procedure leaflet.
How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?
Once your scan is complete, the report will be written and sent to the referring doctor or clinical team who requested the examination. This usually takes up to 48 hours. Your referring clinician or team will be responsible for discussing the results with you.
Test results are made available on MyChart. Please note that there is a 3 week delay between the report being completed and it appearing on MyChart. This delay allows your clinical team time to review and act on the findings prior to them being released to the individual patient.
Are there any alternative tests?
Ultrasound is the recommended first line method for investigating many common pathologies.
Computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are alternative investigations.