Ultrasound & Doppler

• Gross obesity may interfere with the technical quality of the ultrasound study.
• Examination of the musculoskeletal system and blood vessels forms part of the ultrasound imaging spectrum.
• Other applications include soft tissue evaluation of the breasts, neck, thyroid and scrotum.
• Interventional procedures performed under ultrasound guidance have now 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 jewellery 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 cold 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.