Ultrasound FAQ

What will happen during the ultrasound?

You will be called through by the vascular sonographer to the ultrasound room. You may be asked to remove certain items of clothing depending on the type of ultrasound. You will be placed on the examination couch, normally lying on your back. Depending on the area of examination you may be required to move or rotate slightly to be able to get the area of interest for the best views possible and therefore accurate results.

A gel will be used on your skin and a probe/transducer will be placed on your skin and moved up and down the area of interest where the blood vessels lie. Some light pushing or squeezing may be necessary for certain tests, however the examination should not be painful. Please let the sonographer know if you are experiencing pain.

You may hear noises from the machine, which are normal for vascular ultrasound as it is showing the blood flow through the vein or artery. It is not always used; therefore do not be alarmed if you do not hear the noises.

Once the examination is complete, you will be given some towels to clean off the get and you may get dressed again.

Why do I need to fast for my ultrasound?

You are required to fast before an ultrasound of the abdomen. The veins and arteries lie behind the large intestine and foods and smoking creates gas within the large intestine. Ultrasound does not penetrate this gas and therefore the vessels cannot be clearly and accurately visualised. Fasting prior to an abdominal ultrasound is necessary to help eliminate this bowel gas and accurately assess the blood vessels and therefore make an informed diagnosis. It is in your benefit to follow the fasting instructions provided for an accurate diagnosis and a more comfortable examination. Failure to do so may require the examination to be re-booked another day if a result cannot be obtained.

How much do my ultrasounds cost?

If you hold a valid Australian Medicare card, all ultrasound exams will be bulk-billed.

What should I wear?

Loose, comfortable clothes are best for all ultrasound examinations. You may be required to remove certain items of clothing to access the required area, depending on the type of examination.

Carotid ultrasound – A top with a loose neck is best. Jewellery may need to be removed from around the neck.

Lower Limbs (legs) – Trouser will need to be removed to gain access to the level of the groin. Underwear remain on, however trousers, shorts and boxer shorts will need to be removed to prevent restriction of the area.

Upper Limbs (arms) – The shirt will need to be removed. Singlets and bras can remain on for the examination.

Abdominal Ultrasound – Loose clothing can remain on provided it can be easily moved to expose your abdomen; i.e.. shirts can be pulled up and trousers may need to be loosened or lowered to ensure the entire area can be easily accessed.

How long will my ultrasound take?

Depending on the type of ultrasound that has been requested, the examination may take anywhere from 15minutes to one hour. The vascular sonographers will spend as much time needed to obtain an accurate result for you and the doctor. Every patient is equally important to us and everyone will receive the same level of upmost care.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Yes. All ultrasound booking require an appointment to be made in advance to ensure the correct length of time is provided and to eliminate waiting times. Particular instructions and preparations may be needed and these will be provided at the time of the booking. Please call our friendly reception staff to make this booking.

What if I can’t make my appointment?

You are assigned an appointment for a certain period of time that is required to complete your examination. If you are unable to attend that appointment, please call in advance so your appointment can be re-booked for a time that suites. Calling will also allow the appointment to be filled by another booking as appointments are booked out in advance.

If you know you are running late for your appointment please call the reception staff to inform them. If you are more than 15 minutes late your appointment has been missed and it will need to be rescheduled for another day.

Do I need a referral for the ultrasound?

Yes. All ultrasound examinations require a valid and up-to-date referral from a doctor. Please bring this referral on the day of your examination. Only the ultrasound requested by the doctor can be undertaken. If you do not have a valid referral when you come for your ultrasound, the ultrasound cannot be performed and you will need to obtain a referral and will need to re-book the ultrasound for another day.

When do I get my results?

Once the ultrasound is complete, your images will be reviewed by the Vascular Surgeon and your results will be sent to the referring doctor within three working days. If you already have an appointment to see your doctor regarding the results, please inform the reception staff or the sonographer at the time of the exam. If you are seeing the Vascular Surgeon these results will be ready for your appointment.

Why am I having an ultrasound of my abdomen when the pain in my legs?

Blood is supplied to your legs from arteries that run from your heart, through your abdomen. If there is a blockage within these abdominal vessels, this can cause pain throughout your leg. It is important to accurately diagnose the cause of your problems to determine the best treatment and therefore the doctor may request an ultrasound of the vessels in the abdomen.

Why do I need regular ultrasound check-ups for my stent or graft?

If you have had a stent or graft inserted, this will need to be routinely checked to ensure it does not become narrowed or blocked. The vascular surgeon will determine the surveillance routine you will require.

Can I talk during the ultrasound?

The sonographer will always be happy to try and answer any questions about the examination you may have, however please remember they will not be able to give you the results. The sonographer will be concentrating on the examination, however if at any time you are concerned about something or you are experiencing discomfort, please let the sonographer know. There are some examinations where you will not be able to talk as it affects the imaging, such as carotid, upper limb, abdominal and venous scan.