An ultrasound is one of the most common imaging tests, yet if you have never had one, it is natural to feel unsure about what it involves. Whether you have been referred for a scan of your abdomen, a joint, your blood vessels or a pregnancy, the process is straightforward, comfortable and uses no radiation at all. Knowing what an ultrasound is, why it is used so widely, and what happens on the day takes the mystery out of the appointment and helps you arrive prepared. Understanding the basics also makes it easier to follow any preparation instructions and to know what to expect regarding your results.
What an Ultrasound Is
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures of the inside of the body. A small handheld device called a transducer, or probe, sends sound waves into the body, and the echoes that bounce back are turned into an image on a screen.
As healthdirect explains, an ultrasound scan is comfortable and generally non-invasive, and it does not use radiation, which is one reason it is used so often and is considered very safe.
Because the images are produced in real time, ultrasound is especially good at showing movement, such as blood flowing through a vessel or a baby moving in the womb, which some other imaging methods cannot capture in the same way.
The same technology goes by several names; you may hear an ultrasound called a sonogram or simply a scan, and the person performing it a sonographer. Whatever the term, the underlying method of using sound waves to build a picture is the same.
Why Ultrasound Is So Widely Used
Ultrasound has a very broad range of uses. It is used to look at soft tissues and organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and other structures in the abdomen, and to examine muscles, tendons and joints.
It is also central to pregnancy care, used to check how a pregnancy is progressing and to monitor a baby’s growth and wellbeing. Because it involves no radiation, it is considered safe to use during pregnancy.
Ultrasound can also help guide certain procedures, allowing a needle to be directed precisely to the right spot. Its safety, versatility and real-time nature are what make it such a widely used and valuable tool.
Different scans focus on different parts of the body, from the abdomen and pelvis to the muscles, tendons and blood vessels, and the approach is tailored to what your doctor needs to see, so no two ultrasound appointments are quite the same.
What Happens During the Scan
During most scans, you will be asked to lie on your back or side on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined, which helps the sound waves travel and lets the probe move smoothly.
The sonographer, a specially trained health professional, then moves the probe over the skin, sometimes pressing gently, while capturing images on the screen. Most scans are comfortable, though some may involve mild pressure over a tender area.
Some scans are performed internally to get a clearer image of certain areas, and if this applies to you it will be explained beforehand. A scan generally takes somewhere between fifteen minutes and around an hour, depending on the area being examined.
Preparation and Getting Your Results
Any preparation depends on the type of scan. Some, such as abdominal scans, may ask you to avoid eating for a period beforehand, while others, such as some pelvic scans, may require a full bladder. The clinic will let you know what is needed when you book.
It also helps to wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being scanned, and to bring your referral and any previous scans that may be useful for comparison.
After the scan, the images are reviewed and a report is prepared and sent to the doctor who referred you. It is usually your referring doctor who discusses the results with you, so it is worth arranging a follow-up appointment to talk them through.
Ultrasound Imaging in Albury
For people across Albury, Wodonga and the wider Border region who have been referred for a scan, knowing what to expect makes the appointment far less daunting and helps everything run smoothly on the day.
Providing ultrasound imaging, the team aims to make each scan as comfortable and clear as possible, taking the time to explain the process and answer questions along the way.
An ultrasound is a safe, comfortable and remarkably useful way to look inside the body, and understanding the appointment beforehand is the simplest way to feel at ease when the day comes.
The Takeaway
An ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, to create real-time images of the inside of the body, which makes it comfortable, safe and useful for everything from abdominal and musculoskeletal scans to pregnancy care and guiding procedures. On the day, gel is applied to the skin and a sonographer moves a probe over the area, with the scan usually taking between fifteen minutes and an hour. Preparation varies by scan type, and your results are sent to your referring doctor to discuss with you. Border Radiology Specialists provides ultrasound imaging in Albury and aims to make each scan comfortable and clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an ultrasound hurt?
No, an ultrasound is comfortable and generally non-invasive. A clear gel is applied to the skin and a probe is moved over the area, which most people find comfortable. There may be mild pressure, especially over a tender area, and internal scans can cause brief, mild discomfort, but the scan itself does not hurt and uses no radiation.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes, ultrasound is considered very safe. It uses high-frequency sound waves rather than radiation, which is why it is used routinely during pregnancy to monitor a baby’s development. It is one of the safest imaging methods available, and there are no known harmful effects from a standard diagnostic ultrasound scan.
How should I prepare for an ultrasound?
It depends on the type of scan. Some, such as abdominal scans, may ask you to avoid eating beforehand, while some pelvic scans require a full bladder. The clinic will tell you exactly what is needed when you book. Wearing comfortable clothing with easy access to the area, and bringing your referral, also helps.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Most ultrasound scans take somewhere between fifteen minutes and around an hour, depending on the area being examined and how detailed the scan needs to be. Your clinic can give you a better idea of the timing for your particular scan when you book, so you can plan your appointment accordingly.
When will I get my ultrasound results?
After the scan, the images are reviewed and a report is prepared and sent to the doctor who referred you. It is usually your referring doctor who discusses the results with you, rather than the imaging clinic, so it is a good idea to arrange a follow-up appointment with them to talk through what the scan found.
This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient’s health needs are unique. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for advice specific to your situation. Border Radiology Specialists encourages all patients to discuss any imaging referral with their doctor or a qualified health practitioner.