Ultrasound Oro ikeike
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to look inside your body. You cannot hear the sound. Ultrasound is very safe and uses no radiation.
When you would have an ultrasound scan
A normal ultrasound scan can be used to look at many different parts of your body, including your liver and kidneys.
It is also commonly used to look at how your pēpi is developing in your uterus.
Specialised uses for ultrasound
Measuring blood flow
A special type of ultrasound is used to check how well your blood is flowing around your veins and arteries. This is usually called a Doppler ultrasound scan.
Looking at heart structure
Ultrasound can used to look at the structure of your heart. This is called an echocardiogram or echo.
Looking for breast lumps
Sometimes ultrasound scans are used as well as, or instead of, mammograms to check for lumps in your breasts. This is more likely if you are young or have dense breast tissue.
Guiding procedures
You might also need to have an ultrasound to help guide taking a tissue sample (biopsy) or giving an injection. Using ultrasound helps the specialist make sure they are in exactly the right part of your body.
Having an ultrasound scan
For an external scan, you will usually be asked to lie down on an examination couch on your side or back. A warm gel will be put onto your skin to help get a clearer picture.
A hand-held device that emits the ultrasound waves (the transducer) will slowly be moved over your skin, recording images from different angles.
Most ultrasound scans will take around 30 minutes.
For certain scans, you will be asked to have a probe placed internally in your vagina or bottom (rectum) to get clearer pictures. The healthcare provider who asked for the test will discuss this with you. You can usually request a female performs the vaginal internal scan if you want this.
Before your ultrasound scan
For most ultrasound scans you will not have to do anything to prepare for the scan.
For some scans you will need to have a full bladder — this means not going for a wee before the scan, even if you feel you need to.
For other scans you will be asked to not eat for several hours before your appointment.
You will be given instructions on what you need to do when you receive your appointment letter.
After your ultrasound
If you were asked to have a full bladder for your scan you will be able to go to the toilet as soon as the scan has been done.
If you are having an ultrasound to see your developing pēpi you may get printed pictures of your pēpi to keep.
Results of your ultrasound scan
A specialist doctor (radiologist) will view the images and write a report about what the scan shows. The radiologist will send their report to the healthcare provider who asked for the test.
Your healthcare provider will then discuss the test results with you during a follow-up appointment, over the phone or by email or text message.
Alternatives to ultrasound
Your healthcare provider may decide that a different type of scan or x-ray would be better to show what they are looking for.
Referral information
You will need to be referred for an ultrasound scan by your healthcare provider. You cannot self-refer.
This procedure can be done in the public health system or privately.