Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image, like sonar, and shows soft tissues very well.
Patient information
Commonly asked questions about ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image, like sonar. A small transducer is held against the patient’s skin, allowing underlying structures to be seen by transmitting and reflecting sound waves through the body.
Ultrasound can show soft tissues very well. Ultrasound scanning can be used to aid interventional procedures.
You can find contact hours and phone numbers on our Radiology Department page.
At Alfred Health Radiology Service, we offer a wide range of diagnostic and interventional ultrasounds at both The Alfred and at Sandringham campuses. These different procedures include:
- Neck (Carotids or thyroid)
- Breast
- Testicular
- Musculoskeletal
- Peripheral vascular, arterial and venous
- Liver (including Portal Venous Doppler)
- Kidneys (including Doppler)
- Prostate
- Gynaecologic
- Ultrasound guided biopsy
- Ultrasound guided injections, including Musculoskeletal injections
- Ultrasound guided drainage
Please note, we do not routinely perform obstetric ultrasound cases at The Alfred. These must be seen at our Sandringham site.
Yes, we will need a referral from your GP or specialist doctor in order to make an appointment.
You may be asked to fast, or to drink water and hold your bladder full. Please continue your regular medication, unless advised not to by your doctor.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
A sonographer will perform this scan
Ultrasound scans generally take 30 minutes, but this may vary. Your sonographer will advise you on the day.
The sonographer will apply ultrasound gel to the part of your body being scanned, and move the transducer over that area. You may be asked to move into different positions to scan different body parts.
To ensure a thorough examination, the sonographer may need to ask personal questions about your health or condition.
Sometimes an internal ultrasound is required.
You can eat and drink normally after the examination.
If you have had an interventional procedure, you will be given an information sheet at discharge about your procedure.
The radiologist’s report and your images are automatically forwarded to your referring doctor. Return to your doctor to discuss the examination results.