Harmelia

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds use high-frequency soundwaves to capture images in real time and show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as the blood flowing through blood vessels. No ionising radiation is used for ultrasounds. A water-based, easy to clean gel will be applied to the area to be scanned, and a device called a transducer, is used to obtain the images. 

Ultrasounds are painless, however if you have an injury or painful clinical condition, you may experience some discomfort. An ultrasound requires the sonographer to apply a degree of pressure to the area being imaged to adequately visualise internal organs and structures.

We offer the following ultrasound services:

  • Abdominal and pelvic
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Pelvic – reproductive organs
  • Renal tract
  • Scrotum
  • Thyroid
  • Vascular
Ultrasound

Please note:

  • Patients are responsible for obtaining authorisation for radiology procedures. Please contact us for assistance.
  • Women must inform their referring clinician and the sonographer on duty if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant.
  • Depending on the area that will be examined, patients may want to wear comfortable clothing. They may be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove jewellery and other metallic items from their body.
  • At the time of the booking our staff will give patients clear instructions regarding any preparations prior to the scan.
    • Only abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds require eight to twelve hours fasting. During the fast, patients may only drink water. One hour prior to the procedure, patients must drink 1½ to 2 litres water to fill the bladders. A full bladder is required for a successful scan.
    • Musculoskeletal, ankle sprain injury ultrasounds should only be attempted ten to twelve days after the injury once the swelling has subsided. The waiting period for all other sprain injuries are two to three days. 
    • Should patients require a core biopsy, they must inform the radiologist or sonographer if they are using any blood thinning medication or have any allergies. Some procedures may require specific blood tests. Radiologists take special care to explain the procedure and the necessary post-care with each patient, ensuring that they are comfortable and understand what it entails.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the type of ultrasound; most can be completed in 20 to 45 minutes.

Fasting helps prevent gas build-up in the abdomen and improves imaging of the gallbladder. A full bladder allows better visualisation of the pelvic organs, which may affect the results.

Yes, medication can be taken with a small amount of water.

Because sound waves do not travel through air, the gel is needed to serve as a conductor, by eliminating the air and forming a bond between the transducer and the skin. Clear images cannot be obtained without the use of the gel.