MDU is committed to high clinical standards whilst providing efficient service to both practitioners and patients alike.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound scanning uses high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. These sound waves produce a signal or echo from internal structures and these create an image. You cannot feel these ultrasound waves during the scan. These images are then interpreted by a specialist doctor to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Why Ultrasound ?
Ultrasound can be used to examine a wide range of structures in the body, mostly those containing fluid or soft tissue. Ultrasound may not be used on some areas as it cannot pass through bone or gas. Other examinations are better suited to these areas, eg. X-rays, M.R.I.
How much will it cost? Is the scan covered by my health insurance?
Please call the clinic for the latest pricing which varies depending on the type of scan you require. Currently, health insurance does not cover the scan but you may be able to partially claim doctor's fees on tax.
Who will perform my scan?
The person performing your scan is a fully accredited, highly qualified and experienced Sonographer with a post graduate degree in Ultrasound. The specialist Doctor, a Radiologist, will interpret the scan to determine the results. You will be asked about your symptoms to ensure the best type of scan is performed.
Is Ultrasound Safe ?
There are no known harmful effects of medical Ultrasound scans which have been used for over 25 years. However the Sonographer applies techniques to ensure a safe procedure.
What are the Benefits / Advantages of Ultrasound?
Most ultrasounds are non-invasive with no needles or injections and are usually painless.
Ultrasound uses no ionising radiation. Ultrasound can give clear pictures of certain structures not seen on other techniques. eg. X-rays.
When do I get the results?
The Radiologist will interpret the pictures and then inform your doctor within 24 hours. In some cases the results may be discussed with you at the conclusion of your examination. Unfortunately not all abnormalities can be detected by Ultrasound and further testing may be requested by your Doctor.
What happens during the scan?
Most scans are painless, quick and easy. Examinations are carried out with you lying on your back on the Ultrasound couch. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the type of scan being performed. You will be made as comfortable as possible and tissue paper will be used to protect any clothing from the gel. A water based gel is placed on your skin and the ultrasound probe is moved to perform the scan. The scan time and preparation varies depending on the scan type. Some scans are complex and may take over an hour. Most scans take approximately 20 minutes.
What is Doppler Ultrasound ?
Doppler ultrasound is a particular type of scanning technique used to assess blood vessels. Doppler ultrasound assesses the direction and speed of blood cells as they move through the vessels. It can assess both arteries and veins and is often used to see if there are any blockages, narrowings or blood clots.
Can I bring Family with me for my scan ?
You may bring family to see the scan but numbers may be limited.
What do I need to do before my scan ?
This depends on what type of scan you are having.
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Abdomen - 10 hour fast. Have nothing to eat or drink on the morning of the scan.
You may brush your teeth and take your normal medications with a small amount of water.
If you are diabetic take medication as normal, clear fluids and a small light breakfast if required.
Abdomen & Pelvis - 10 hour fast as for the abdomen scan, then fill bladder over the next hour by drinking fluid. See Female Pelvis scan below. Female Pelvis - You will need to fill your bladder. Drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to scan appointment as a full bladder acts like a window into the internal organs ie. Uterus, Ovaries. There are two ways of performing a pelvic scan. A Transabdominal scan (a scan looking through the belly) is routinely performed first. A Transvaginal scan is then offered to you. Transvaginal scan. - The 'Endovaginal' or 'Internal' scanning method is far superior in image quality, detail and sensitivity so is offered to all women who have a pelvic scan. Some abnormalities may only be detected using this technique as it obtains better views than the Transabdominal method. This scan is performed with an empty bladder. It takes five to ten minutes. You will need to undress from the waist down and you will be covered with a sheet and all times. You will be asked to sign a form indicating you give consent for the examination. The camera or probe (called a transducer) looks similar to an electric toothbrush and is protected by a sterile cover and coated with lubricant. You insert this yourself, into the vagina, a small distance. The Sonographer then moves the transducer to scan through the different structures. You may ask to stop the scan at any stage. Most women don't find the scan too uncomfortable but pressure is felt as the transducer is moved to sides to examine the ovaries. It is usually more comfortable than a gynaecological exam that may have been performed by your doctor. A chaperone / 3rd person will sit in the room whilst the scan is performed. If you decide to proceed with the Transvaginal scan it is performed on the day and incurs an additional fee. Please remember this scan is optional. Please consult your Doctor or call the clinic if you have any questions regarding this procedure. Renal / Kidneys / Bladder / Prostate - Have nothing to eat four hours prior to your scan. You will require a full bladder. Drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to scan appointment Doppler scan of Both Leg Arteries or Veins. - 10 hour fast. Have nothing to eat or drink on the morning of the scan. This allows visualisation of the vessels in your abdomen and pelvis. You may brush your teeth and take you normal medications with a small amount of water. If you are diabetic take medication as normal, clear fluids and a small light breakfast if required. If you are having one leg scanned there is no preparation. Obstetrics - If you are less than 28 weeks you require a full bladder. Drink 2 pints of water one hour prior to scan appointment If you are more than 28 weeks there is no preparation. Other Ultrasound Scan Types -The following scans don't require any preparation:
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MDU is fully accredited with the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), a world leader in obstetric screening and research.
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) is a skin fold on the back the neck measured approximately between 12 and 13.5 weeks gestation. Other fetal structures are also assessed. The NT thickness is measured and this gives the risk or estimate of the baby having Down's Syndrome and other conditions. Different data (for example the mothers age and weight) is then entered into a state of the art computer software program attached to the FMF. This then gives the risks or odds of baby having Down's Syndrome and other conditions. These results are provided to your referring doctor within 24 hours. This is not a definitive assessment and is used to assess risk only. Different factors can affect the NT. The ultrasound may be combined with a blood test to give a more accurate assessment. This blood test will need to be requested by your doctor and this will calculate the combined risk factor. Please call the clinic if you have questions regarding this procedure. Information and online patient lectures may be found on www.fetalmedicine.com
After the scan!
You will be able to eat, drink, drive etc. as normal and you should feel no effects from the scan.