Ultrasound & Doppler

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Using Ultrasound for imaging is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
It involves a painless medical test that assists doctors to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions.
Investigation of abdominal pain, a palpable mass, gallbladder and kidney stones as well as a multitude of other conditions is easily done with an Ultrasound.
It is a fast, cost-effective examination without any radiation.
Ultrasounds:
- Are easy to use and mostly painless and non-invasive.
- Do not use ionising radiation (and is therefore safe during pregnancy).
- Give a clear picture of the soft tissue, often not visible on X-Ray
- Have many applications.
- Have no known harmful effects on humans.

General Information

Gross obesity may interfere with the technical quality of the Ultrasound study.
Nowadays an examination of the muscular-skeletal system and blood vessels also forms part of the routine Ultrasound imaging portfolio.
Other applications include soft tissue evaluation of the breasts, neck, thyroid and scrotum.
Interventional procedures performed under Ultrasound guidance have now almost become a routine procedure.

Before your Ultrasound examination

Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete all the necessary paperwork.
You can also download the patient information form here.
Any garments with metal zippers, belts or buttons and jewelry may interfere with Ultrasound images. You will therefore be required to wear the gown provided.

Special Preparation

Abdominal Ultrasound

Nil per mouth 6 hours prior to exam (eating introduces air into the stomach and bowel, complicating visualisation of the target organs and also causes the gallbladder to collapse).
Water and medication may be taken.
Please arrive with a full bladder by drinking 2 litres (4 to 6) glasses of water at least an hour before your examination. Sound waves travel through liquids and subsequently the full bladder. A full bladder also pushes bowel gas away from the organs that are being examined, enabling visualisation of the uterus and ovaries or prostate behind the bladder.

Pelvis/kidney Ultrasound

Eat and drink as normal.
Please arrive with a full bladder by drinking 2 litres (4 to 6) glasses of water at least an hour before your examination. Sound waves travel through liquids and subsequently the full bladder. A full bladder also pushes bowel gas away from the organs that are being examined, enabling visualisation of the uterus and ovaries or prostate behind the bladder.

Let the Sonographer know

If you did not follow the special preparation instructions as prescribed.
If you have any medical conditions, such as allergies, diabetes, heart conditions or glaucoma.
Of any previous relevant surgical procedures.

What to expect

SCP Ultrasound and Doppler examinations are performed by qualified Sonographers and Radiologists.
You will be lying face-up on an examination table for most examinations. For some other studies, such as a shoulder study, you may be required to sit up.
A clear gel is supplied to the area to secure contact and eliminate air between the skin and transducer.
You may be requested to hold your breath, for intermittent periods of time, during upper abdominal studies (gallbladder, liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys)
For best results:
- Please adhere to preparation procedures, especially pertaining to not eating or drinking before an abdominal study and arriving with a full bladder for a study of the pelvis or kidneys.

After your Ultrasound examination

After the procedure, you will have to wait briefly while images are reviewed.
You can return to your normal routine right away, unless you are advised not to.