Ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen

Introduction

This leaflet provides information for patients having an ultrasound scan of the upper abdomen

What is an ultrasound scan?

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body.

To perform the ultrasound scan we put ultrasound gel over the area to be scanned and a small plastic probe (transducer) is slowly moved over the area of interest. This probe transmits high frequency sound waves into your body. Based on the reflections of these sound waves, the ultrasound machine then creates images of your organs. Ultrasound imaging is considered very safe, as it does not use any radiation to acquire the image.

The scan may identify the cause of your symptoms or help to rule out conditions that could cause your symptoms.

Sonographers and Radiologists (practitioners) perform ultrasound scans. Both female and male practitioners undertake these scans and also act as chaperones.

How long will I be in the department?

The scan usually takes around 10-20 minutes but can sometimes be longer.

What to do when you arrive

Please report to the reception desk on arrival in the Ultrasound department (Level 3 Outpatients) to let us know you have arrived for your appointment.

Staff you are likely to meet

• Sonographer or Radiologist
• Healthcare Support Worker
• Receptionist

Preparation for procedure/examination

We ask that you do not eat anything for six hours before your scan and drink clear fluids only (water or squash). This helps to improve the quality of our images, particularly of the gall bladder. If you are diabetic, and fasting for six hours will cause problems, please contact the department in advance of your scan so we can book an appointment at a suitable time.

Please contact us in advance of your procedure/examination on 01223 216320 if you:

• Have additional requirements that may require a longer appointment
• Require a specific appointment time due to taking time sensitive medication (e.g. insulin, medicines for Parkinson’s disease).
• Are pregnant
• Require hospital transport
• Are unable to lie flat
• Have mobility issues

Benefits

Ultrasound scans do not use radiation and are considered a safe non-invasive procedure, which can provide clinicians with information to aid diagnosis of a wide range of conditions.

Risks

There is a very low risk of infection from the use of ultrasound gel. This can be reduced by wiping the gel off thoroughly at the end of the scan and washing it off as soon as is practical.

What will happen on the day of my procedure/examination?

The light will be dimmed in the room so the practitioner can see the screen better. You will be asked to lie down on the couch and move your clothes to expose your abdomen. Gel, which may feel cold, is then applied to your skin. The transducer is moved on the surface of the skin over the area of interest. You may be asked to turn on the couch or hold your breath to improve image quality. The scan usually takes around 10-20 minutes but can sometimes take longer. During this time, the practitioner will take routine pictures and measurements to enable them to get a good image of the region of examination.

You may be asked some questions relating to your symptoms, and previous medical history. At the end of the scan, you will be given paper towels to wipe the gel off before you get dressed.

Accessibility requirements

If you require support for your appointment, e.g. if you find it hard to hear, see or be understood by others, please let the receptionist or healthcare professional know on arrival or contact us by email: cuh.accessibility@nhs.net or telephone: 01223 256998.

Can I bring someone with me?

Those accompanying you should be able to come into the ultrasound room with you, occasionally they may be required to stay out of the examination room during the procedure and remain in the waiting area.

Childcare whilst in 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

Your personal belongings will be able to stay with you during the examination

What happens after my procedure/examination?

After your scan, you can return to your normal daily activities.

The practitioner may be able to provide information about the findings; however the results will be sent back to the clinician who referred you for the scan within approximately seven to ten days.

Possible side effects and additional aftercare

There are no side effects

If any concerns post procedure/examination, please contact us on 01223 216320

How, when and by whom will my results be communicated?

Imaging examinations are reported in order of clinical priority to ensure those with the highest urgency are reported first.

Your referring team or clinician will be responsible for communicating reports back to you.

Test results are made available via MyChart but there is 3-week delay from when an examination has been reported to when it is available on MyChart, in order to allow time for your clinical team to be able to see and action the results prior to them being released to the individual patient.

Are there any alternative tests?

Ultrasound is the recommended first line method for investigating common pathologies of the upper abdomen.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are alternative investigations.

Contacts/Further information

Our contact number is 01223 216320

The phone line is monitored between 8am and 4.30pm

Facilities available

• Toilets
• Baby changing
• Disabled toilet
• Water fountain

Require leaflet in a different format or language?

The Recite Me toolbar makes our website digitally inclusive by allowing you to customise the contents so that it works best for you. It features an accessibility tools bar positioned at the top of webpage:

Key functions:

• Screen reader – option for all information on the website to be read aloud
• Translation – option to translate all information into over 100 different languages
• Styling and customisation – option to change the text, font style, size, colour and spacing so that the information is easier to read.
• Reading aids – including a screen mask (tint) and magnifier to help make the information more accessible for all.

Directions to the department

Parking at the hospital is limited and so it is recommended, where possible to consider alternative transport as advised on Finding-your-way-around.

On arrival please proceed directly to the Ultrasound Department (Level 3).

The Ultrasound Department is located on Level 3, at the Outpatients end of the hospital.

Question, concern or complaint?

In the first instance, speak to your nurse, doctor or other staff member as soon as you can so they can do their best to put things right straightaway.

If you don’t feel able to speak directly to the people caring for you, contact the patient advice and liaison service (PALS). Please call 01223 216756 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, via email at cuh.pals@nhs.net, or via a form available via link on the CUH PALS webpage.

PALS is open every weekday, and you can leave a message in the evenings and weekends.

MyChart

We would encourage you to sign up for MyChart. This is the electronic patient portal at Cambridge University Hospitals that enables patients to securely access parts of their health record held within the hospital’s electronic patient record system (Epic). It is available via your home computer or mobile device

More information is available on our website: My Chart