Specialist Ultrasound Scans
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to image the body. The sound waves are projected by the transducers into the body and the reflected waves are captured and converted into an image. (Very clever eh?) It is one of the most common, least invasive and the safest to perform methods of imaging the body. Ultrasound can be used for looking at most body including in pregnancy imaging your unborn baby. It can help with the diagnosis of many existing problems or complaints.
Ultrasound scanning in most cases provides a clear insight inside your body giving reassurance that all is well or medical help needs to be sought. When ultrasound is used in pregnancy it gives safe, reassuring images of your baby’s growth, well-being and development, and some of the most outstanding images which can aid your bonding experience. Pregnancy scans are by far one of the most popular reasons to have an ultrasound scan.
Men and women who are considering IVF treatment may benefit from a testicular or pelvic ultrasound scan, a baseline reproductive organ scan to ascertain if there is any problem which could reduce the effectiveness of a couple trying to conceive either by natural means or via IVF. For those undergoing assisted reproduction it is effective in monitoring your treatment plan which will increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Many people just require reassurance that all is well. Ultrasound scans can sometimes help remove that nagging doubt or fear that you may have. If a scan result does raise concerns, then it’s reassuring to know that appropriate medical care can be sought without delay. If your results from an ultrasound scan identify a potential concern, you’re likely to be referred to your doctor so that more information and further investigation can be undertaken. These investigations may include MRI, CT Scans or X-Rays which use different methods of imaging.
Ultrasound has no known harmful effects and is most often classed as a non-invasive imaging technique. A small handheld device called a transducer is placed onto your skin, and moved over the part of the body being scanned. To ensure that the transducer can move smoothly a small amount of lubricating gel is applied onto your skin which also enables continuous contact between the transducer and the skin surface. The transducer is connected to the ultrasound machine and images are then displayed on a TV monitor.
Most ultrasound scans don’t take long to perform, typically between 15 and 30 minutes.
Before having some types of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions before the procedure, such as drinking a few glasses of water in order to fill your bladder so structures behind and the bladder itself can be imaged. This is typical when scanning in pregnancy and in general imaging of the renal tract and pelvis.
We offer a wide range of ultrasound scans including obstetric ultrasound, fertility ultrasound and general body diagnostic ultrasound imaging