We have received a request from your referring doctor for you to have an Ultrasound Guided Injection. This leaflet is designed to give you some information to help you prepare for your scan and to give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

Q1. What is an Ultrasound scan?

A1. An Ultrasound scan is an examination in which sound waves (not heard by the human ear) are used to create a picture of organs within the body. The picture can provide accurate information about the size, structure and movement of many parts of the body.

Q2. What preparation will I need?

A2. Usually none. Printed instructions will be given to you with your appointment information if any preparation is required.

Q3. What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

A3. If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential you contact the relevant hospital department immediately (see last page for appropriate telephone numbers), so that a more appropriate time can be arranged. This will enable us to reallocate valuable scanning time to someone else.

Q4. I am a diabetic, does this change anything?

A4. No

Q5. What does the examination involve?

A5. On arrival you will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown. Once in the examination room, you will lie on a couch next to the Ultrasound machine.

A doctor (Radiologist) will perform the scan, by placing a small amount of clear gel onto the skin and gently running a small probe, like a microphone, over the skin surface. You may be asked to change your position slightly, and hold your breath from time to time.

The doctor who arranged for you to have this examination has asked the Radiologist to consider giving an injection as part of the test. The Radiologist will explain whether an injection is necessary once he has scanned the area. The injection, if necessary, will be of local anaesthetic and/or steroid medication. The Radiologist will answer any questions you have about the injection at the time. If you have concerns before the test, please contact the doctor who you saw in clinic who will be able to discuss the injection further with you.

The pictures produced on the TV screen will be recorded on film or video and kept with your other x-ray films.

Q6. How long will it take?

A6. Usually between 5 and 30 minutes.

Q7. Are there any side effects?

A7. No side effects are known from Diagnostic Ultrasound. The Radiologist will explain any potential side effects due to the injection.

Q8. Can I drive home?

A8. We advise that you do not drive home immediately after an injection. You should arrange alternative transport.

Q9. What happens about the results?

A9. A report will be sent to the consultant or General Practitioner who asked for it to be done within two weeks of your examination.

Q10. I need an ambulance, do you arrange one?

A10. If you need an ambulance, you must ask your General Practitioner’s surgery to arrange one, but you will need to give them three working days notice. Please inform the department if you are arriving by ambulance as we will arrange your appointment time to fit with ambulance arrivals.

Q11 What if have any comments, suggestions or questions?

A11 Should you have any worries or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting the examination or by letter addressed to the Superintendent Radiographer at the appropriate hospital, as below:

The Departmental Manager

Leazes Xray Department

Richardson Road

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP

Helpline Tel: (0191) 282 5624

The Departmental Manager

Main Xray Department

Freeman Hospital, High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN

Helpline Tel: (0191) 223 1012

All Newcastle Hospitals: Switchboard Tel: (0191) 233 6161

If you need to turn to someone for on-the-spot help, advice and support, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on:

Freephone 0800-032-02-02

Map details: Due to the transformations of the Newcastle Hospitals, please go to the Trust web site to check for progress updates. Alternatively, please see local map details and directions on how to get to the new
Victoria Wing, RVI.

This patient information is available in large print size for people with visual impairments or partial vision. Please click on the link above to print or view the document. Alternatively, please ring the X-ray department you are attending your appointment and ask the receptionist to send you a large print-size leaflet.

Information produced by: Dr G Hide, Clinical Directorate of Radiology
Reviewed: November 2009
Next Review: November 2012