An Ultrasound Scan is a way of producing detailed pictures of the body using sound waves. The sound waves are at a pitch that is too high to be heard by the human ear. A computer converts the information into a picture that is displayed on a television screen.

Q2. Where is the Ultrasound Room located?

Ultrasound Scanning is carried out at the RVI and the Freeman Hospital.

Q3. Will I have to undress?

If you need to undress you will be given a gown to wear. A Radiographer or Nurse will show you where you can get changed in private and when you are ready, will escort you into the scan room. In many cases you will not have to undress completely but will be asked to remove clothing from the area that will be examined during the scan.

Q4. Will the scan hurt?

In order to perform your scan it will be necessary to apply a small amount of gel to the skin surface in the area being examined. This gel dissolves in water and will not stain your clothing. The procedure may be a little uncomfortable but should not be painful.

Q5. Is any other preparation needed before the scan?

Depending on what part of your body is being examined, you may be asked to carry out some instructions before you come for your appointment. You may be asked not to eat or drink for six hours or you may be asked to drink some water before your examination so that your bladder is full for the scan.

Please read your appointment letter carefully and follow the instructions it gives. The success of the examination may well depend on this. Failure to follow the instructions may result in the examination being delayed or postponed to another day.

Q6. Will I have to wait long before being scanned?

We always try to scan you as near to your appointment time as possible. Emergency cases must take priority however and this can sometimes cause delays. Please be patient, but feel free to ask one of the staff if you think that you may have been overlooked.

Q7. Is Ultrasound dangerous?

Ultrasound is considered to be a harmless method of investigating the body. There are no known side-effects from diagnostic Ultrasound scanning.

Q8. Who performs the scan?

Your scan will be performed by either a Radiologist (medical doctor who specialises in interpreting diagnostic imaging) or a Radiographer who is specially trained in Ultrasound scanning. Whoever performs your scan will explain what happens and will show you what to do.

Q9. What will I have to do?

You will be asked to lie on the Ultrasound couch for the scan. It may be necessary for you to lie in different positions and you may be asked to hold your breath while pictures are taken. The person performing the scan will tell you what to do and will help you if you have any difficulties.

Q10. How long will the scan take?

Each examination is different and may take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete, depending on the area to be examined.

Q11. What about the results?

Normally, you can expect to receive the results of your scan when you next see the doctor who sent you for the examination.

After your examination, the Radiologist or Radiographer who performed the scan will study the pictures taken during your examination. A report is then prepared and this is sent to your doctor who asked for the examination. The report is normally sent out the day following the examination.

Q12. Can I drive home?

Yes.

Q13. I need an ambulance. Do you arrange this?

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.

Q14. What if I have any comments, suggestions or questions?

If you have any questions, doubts or worries, just ask. The radiology staff want to make you feel as relaxed as possible. This makes the scan easier for you and means that we get better pictures.

This is a teaching hospital and we sometimes have junior medical staff and trainees in our department, who may be present at the time of your examination. If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, please inform the Ultrasound Staff at the time of your appointment – this will not affect your care or treatment in any way.

Should you have any worries or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting the examination or by letter addressed to the Departmental Manager at the hospital you are attending your appointment, as below:

The Departmental Manager

Xray Department, Level 3

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Queen Victoria Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4LP

Tel: (0191) 282 1099

Freeman Hospital

The Departmental Manager

Main Xray Department

Freeman Hospital

High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE7 7DN

Tel: (0191) 282 1099

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 click on the link to check for progress updates. Alternatively, please click on the new Victoria Wing, RVI for local map details and directions.

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 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 jointly produced by: The Clinical Directorate of Radiology

Reviewed: November 2009
Next Review: November 2012