Ultrasound scan

Why an ultrasound scan is done

You might be referred for an ultrasound scan to:

• investigate symptoms you've had, such as pain or a lump
• monitor a condition, such as a problem with your thyroid
• help a health professional see inside your body during a procedure, such as injecting a steroid into a joint
• check your baby's development during your pregnancy

Find out more about ultrasound scans in pregnancy

Preparing for an ultrasound scan

The hospital or clinic should tell you if there's anything you need to do before having an ultrasound scan.

For example, a short time before the test you might need to:

• drink a few glasses of water, without going to the toilet, so you have a full bladder
• remove jewellery or piercings from the area being scanned

What happens at an ultrasound scan appointment

An ultrasound scan can take around 10 to 45 minutes, but it might take longer.

A healthcare professional will do the scan. There might also be a nurse or healthcare assistant in the room.

2 common ways an ultrasound scan is done are:

• an external ultrasound, where a device called a probe is moved across your skin on the part of your body being scanned
• an internal ultrasound, where a tube-shaped probe is put inside your vagina (this is sometimes called a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound) or your bottom

An ultrasound probe can also be attached to an endoscope, which is a thin tube that's passed into your food pipe (oesophagus) to give your doctor a clearer picture of things such as your heart or stomach.

Before the ultrasound scan

You might need to undress behind a screen or in a changing room and put on a hospital gown. Sometimes you can just move your clothing out of the way for the scan.

During the ultrasound scan

• You might be asked to lie or sit on a flat bed next to a machine with a screen.
• The healthcare professional will put a slippery gel on your skin on the part of your body being scanned. Paper towel might be put around the area, to soak up excess gel.
• The lights might be dimmed to help them see images on the screen.
• The healthcare professional will move the probe over the area covered in gel. You might need to change position during the test.
• They might stop to make notes or take measurements on the screen.
• When the scan is finished, you can wipe off the gel with paper towel and get dressed.

Credit:

BURGER / PHANIE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

During an internal ultrasound scan

• You might be asked to lie on a bed with your knees apart or lie on your side. You might need to change position during the test.
• You may have a sheet or paper towel to cover yourself.
• The healthcare professional will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped probe with a latex cover into your vagina or bottom. Tell them if you have a latex allergy so they can use an alternative for you. Lubricant is used to make this more comfortable. You can ask to insert the probe yourself if you want to.
• The lights might be dimmed to help them see images on the screen.
• The healthcare professional will gently move the probe and might need to press on your tummy.
• They might stop to make notes or take measurements on the screen.
• When the scan is finished, you can wipe off the lubricant with paper towel and get dressed.

Credit:

A. NOOR / BSIP/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/865228/view

Getting your ultrasound scan results

You may get the results of your ultrasound scan at the end of your appointment, or it can take a few weeks, depending on why you had the scan.

Your result will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the ultrasound scan. You might need a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results.

If you have not heard anything after a few weeks, contact the specialist or your GP surgery about your results and what happens next.

Sometimes you might need other tests, depending on why you had the ultrasound scan.

If you had a routine ultrasound during pregnancy, a report about the scan will usually be added to your maternity notes.

Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about your results or do not understand them.

Side effects of ultrasound scans

The sound waves used in ultrasound scans are safe. Ultrasound scans do not use any radiation, unlike in X-rays or CT scans.

The probe used for an external ultrasound scan does not usually cause any pain as it's moved across your skin. But it might be uncomfortable if it's pressed on an area that's already painful, such as a swollen joint.

Internal ultrasound probes can be uncomfortable when they're put inside your body or moved during the test. Tell the person doing the scan if you feel pain and they will help you feel more comfortable.