We have received a request from your referring doctor for you to have a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scan. 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?

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?

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?

If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential you contact the hospital department immediately on Tel: (0191) 223 1012, 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?

On arrival you will be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown. It is important to inform the nursing and medical staff about all allergies and medications. 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 will be asked to change your position slightly and hold your breath from time to time.

The pictures produced on the TV screen will be recorded on film or video and kept with your other radiology images.

Q6. How long will it take?

Usually between 5 and 20 minutes.

Q7. Are there any side effects?

No side effects are known from diagnostic ultrasound.

Q8. Can I drive home?

Yes.

Q9. What happens about the results?

A report will be sent to the consultant or GP who asked for the test to be done, within two weeks of the examination.

Q10. I need an ambulance. Do you arrange one?

If you need an ambulance, you must ask your GP’s surgery to arrange one. 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 I have any comments, questions or suggestions?

Should you have any suggestions or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting your examination, or by letter addressed to:

The Departmental Manager

X-ray Department

Freeman Hospital

High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE7 7DN

Tel: (0191) 282 1099

Contact hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Please see 'Patient and Visitor Guides' for updates of map details and travel directions or alternatively, click on Freeman Hospital to view local map.

All Newcastle Hospitals Switchboard Tel: (0191) 233 6161

Patient Advisory Liaison Service (PALS) Freephone: 0800-032-02-02

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/view the information. 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: January 2009
Next Review: January 2012