Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test which used high frequency sound waves to create an image. Therefore, ionising radiation is not used in this test.

Ultrasound is a great examination for assessing soft tissues, including most organs, muscles, tendons, ligaments and any soft tissue lesion. Due to its use of soundwaves and not x-rays, ultrasound is the preferred imaging test for pregnancy. Ultrasound can also be used to assess blood vessels, such as checking for deep vein thrombosis is also used in ultrasound, as well as injection guidance into joints or biopsies and fine needle aspirations.

Ultrasounds are considered safe. This scan does not use radiation, therefore it does not have the same risks as what an X-ray or CT scan does.

Preparation varies depending on the scan being done. You may be asked to fast for 6hrs, drink water or may not need any prep at all.

Scanning time can vary, but most ultrasounds will take around 20-30minites. Some obstetric ultrasounds may take up to an hour long.

We advise all patients to book for an ultrasound as you may need to have specific preparation. However, we will always try and accommodate urgent patients.

We perform foetal growth scans throughout the duration of any pregnancy at all WD Imaging sites. There are 3 main ultrasounds during this time.

• A dating scan – 6 weeks; used to conform pregnancy
• A Nuchal Translucency scan is used in the first trimester to determine the risk of a baby having a chromosomal abnormality, such as downs syndrome. This test is done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy. Patients will be asked to have a blood test following the scan and after this, a risk assessment would be done based on the results of the Nuchal Translucency measurements.
• The Morphology scan is usually done at 18-22 weeks gestation and is done to check the growth of the foetus.

After these 3 scans, foetal growth ultrasounds may still be referred as a routine check-up on the baby if necessary.