Ultrasound & Doppler
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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 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.