Ultrasound

Preparation for your procedure will depend on the type of Ultrasound and the body area being scanned. Our most common examinations and preparations are listed below.

Abdominal Ultrasound:

Assess the gallbladder, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and aorta.

Preparation: Fast (nil by mouth) six hours before your appointment. Different preparation for paediatrics ─ please ask our staff when booking an appointment.

Fetal or Obstetric Ultrasound

• Evaluates the size and age of a fetus and assesses its growth, development and well-being during pregnancy.
• Fetal Ultrasound will detect some but not all fetal abnormalities.
• Preparation:  Empty your bladder 1.5 hours prior to the appointment, then drink one litre of water. Then do not empty your bladder.

Musculoskeletal or Breast Ultrasound

• Assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body.
• Preparation:  No preparation is required.

Pelvic or Transvaginal Ultrasound

• Evaluates the uterus, ovaries and their surrounding anatomy. A pelvic ultrasound may require a specially designed transducer to be gently inserted into the vagina for more detailed images.
• Preparation: Fast from food for six hours prior to your appointment. Also, empty your bladder 1.5 hours prior to your appointment, then drink one litre of water. Then do not empty your bladder.

Renal Ultrasound

• Assess the kidneys and bladder. The prostate is also assessed in males.
• Preparation: Fast from food for six hours prior to your appointment. Empty your bladder 1.5 hours prior to your appointment then drink one litre of water. Then do not empty your bladder.

Renal Artery Doppler Ultrasound

• Evaluates the blood flow to the kidneys through the renal artery.
• Preparation: These scans are performed in the morning. Please fast for six hours prior to your appointment.

Scrotal Ultrasound

• Evaluates abnormalities of the testicles and surrounding tissues.
• Preparation: No special preparation is needed.

Thyroid Ultrasound

• Evaluates the size of the thyroid gland and looks for thyroid nodules.
• Preparation: No special preparation is needed.

Vascular or Carotid / Deep Vein Ultrasound

• Evaluates the body’s circulatory system by monitoring the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. Vascular Ultrasound provides a non-invasive means to evaluate blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins or plaque in arteries.
• Preparation: No preparation is needed.

Paediatric Ultrasound

North Shore Radiology and Nuclear Medicine offers a dedicated paediatric ultrasound service. We have several radiologists who specialise in paediatric ultrasound imaging.

Our most common scans are:

• Paediatric hips
• Renal Ultrasound
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Head ultrasound
• Lumps
• Paediatric spines/dimples
• Scrotal

Preparation