An ultrasound scan (also called a sonogram) uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body.
A referral letter from a consultant or GP is required before booking any diagnostic investigation.
An ultrasound scan can:
Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound scan if you have or they suspect you have:
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to bounce off the different tissues that make up your body and these echoes are detected by the ultrasound probe. This information is sent to a computer that turns them into moving images in real-time. You can’t hear the sound waves produced — the term ultrasound refers to sound waves that are beyond the human hearing range. The unit of measurement for sound waves — their frequency — is Hertz.
Ultrasound scans that are used to diagnose conditions are usually performed at 2-18 Hertz. Higher frequencies produce better quality images but they are also absorbed by your skin and other tissues. This means high-frequency sound waves can’t create images of tissues deep inside your body. Lower frequencies pass further into your body and therefore can create images of tissues deep inside your body, but the images are of poorer quality.
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Your ultrasound scan will usually be carried out by a radiologist or a sonographer (a person trained in ultrasound scanning) who will also analyse the results of your scan.
All of our radiographers are of the highest standard and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
You will need a referral letter from a consultant or GP before booking any diagnostic investigation.
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Your healthcare team will tell you how to prepare for your ultrasound scan — what you need to do will vary depending on the part of your body being scanned.
If you are having a pelvic ultrasound scan you may be asked to drink water and not urinate until after your scan.
If you are having an ultrasound scan of your digestive system, liver or gallbladder, you may be asked to:
Depending on the part of your body being scanned, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. For some ultrasound scans, you may be injected with a contrast agent ie a special dye to improve how well certain tissues appear on the ultrasound images.
In a hospital, a radiologist will usually conduct your scan but in some cases, your consultant will. You may have an ultrasound scan at a clinic or GP practice, where it may be a doctor, midwife or nurse who performs your ultrasound scan — they will have completed special training to do this.
During your scan, you will lie down on an examination bed and the transducer will be placed over the part of your body to be examined.
The high-frequency sound waves produced in an ultrasound scan bounce off internal structures in your body. These create echoes that are detected by the transducer on your skin and turned into a moving image on a monitor. The transducer will be moved around to capture images in real-time from different angles. The images can show both structure and movement.
An ultrasound is carried out as an outpatient case so you will be able to go home straight after or as soon as you're able.
These tests are mostly painless. You might feel some slight discomfort but you shouldn’t need any pain relief medication.
When we discharge you we'll talk to you about an appointment to see your specialist again to discuss the test results.
You'll be able to return to work immediately.
Your results and follow up
Spire hospitals have an agreement with radiologists that reports should be completed within five working days - this is regardless of the body part that has been scanned. However, there are occasions when a specialist radiologist opinion is needed and in these cases it can take a little bit longer.
Results are always returned to your referrer - this can be your NHS GP, private consultant or private GP, or an organisation (such as the MoD).
Spire hospitals have an agreement with radiologists that reports should be completed within five working days - this is regardless of the body part that has been scanned. However, there are occasions when a specialist radiologist opinion is needed and in these cases it can take a little bit longer.
Results are always returned to your referrer - this can be your NHS GP, private consultant or private GP, or an organisation (such as the MoD).
You should arrange a follow up appointment with your referrer to receive the results of imaging examinations.
The results of imaging examinations often only form a part of the investigations and treatments requested or carried out by consultants, so should not be read in isolation. Your referrer will have a holistic view of your medical history, so can advise on the outcome of a radiology report alongside all other tests results and previous or current medical conditions.
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.
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