Radiology ServicesUltrasound
Soft tissue imaging using sound waves.
Ultrasound imaging uses a transducer or probe to generate sound waves and produce pictures of the body’s internal structures. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images.
Ultrasound is often used to help diagnose unexplained pain, swelling and infection. It may also be used to provide imaging guidance for needle biopsies or to see and evaluate conditions related to blood flow.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your examination. The preparations for an ultrasound vary depending on the body part you are having scanned.
If you are having an ultrasound of any Upper Abdominal Organ (Gall Bladder, Pancreas, Liver, Spleen) and/or Kidney(s) and/or Aorta eat an early low-fat dinner on the night before your exam, and have nothing to eat for 8 hours prior to your exam.
Water, Juice, black tea or coffee may be drunk prior to the procedure.
If you are having an ultrasound of your Pelvis you will need to have a full bladder for this exam. Please drink 4 – 6 glasses of liquid. Finish drinking this liquid one hour prior to your exam. DO NOT empty your bladder before the examination.
There is no preparation if you are having an ultrasound of your Thyroid, extremity or other body parts.
You will be asked to lie down on the examination bed. A device, known as a probe, will be used to do the scan.
To assist the Ultrasonographer with the scan, a warm gel-like substance will be applied to the skin first. You could be asked to hold your breath during the scan and to roll onto your side.
Use cases for ultrasound.
Thyroid
Meticulous screening and detailed analysis of thyroid nodules, screening for Thyroid cancer and Thyroiditis. ATA (American Thyroid association) classification of thyroid nodules, and cancer risk analysis. Patient friendly procedures including ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies (FNAB), core biopsies, ultrasound guided cyst aspirations, ultrasound guided alcohol ablations of cysts and neck masses.
Neck
Systematic analysis of cervical lymph nodes, salivary glands and neck masses, with ultrasound staging of neck neoplasms, and ultrasound guided biopsy of suspicious lesions.
Abdominal
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that provides valuable insights into internal organs, aiding in diagnosing conditions like gallstones, tumors, and inflammation quickly and safely.
Renal Tracts
Renal tract ultrasound is a painless, radiation-free imaging method that assesses kidney and urinary system health, helping diagnose issues like kidney stones, infections, and structural abnormalities accurately and efficiently.
Pelvic
Pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic tool, particularly beneficial for examining reproductive and urinary organs in both men and women, aiding in detecting issues such as cysts, tumors, and pregnancy monitoring.
MSK / Joints
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a precise imaging technique that enables the visualization of muscles, tendons, and joints, facilitating accurate diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions like injuries and arthritis.
Vascular
Carotid Doppler
Peripheral
Arterial Doppler, Venous Doppler
Interventional
Ultrasound guided: biopsies, aspirations, drainages, diagnostic and therapeutic joint injections.
Soft tissue / Scrotal
Soft tissue ultrasound is a valuable medical tool for examining muscles, ligaments, and other soft structures in the body, aiding in the diagnosis of injuries, tumors, and inflammation with precision.
Paediatric Ultrasound
Pediatric ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive imaging technique tailored for children, helping diagnose various conditions in young patients, from congenital anomalies to infections, without exposing them to radiation.
Neonatal
Hip, Cranial, Abdominal e.g. Gastro-oesophageal reflux screening