Ultrasound FAQs

Ultrasound is a commonly used diagnostic tool in healthcare. If you’re curious about how the technology works, how to prepare for your appointment, or what to expect during an examination, the information below can help you feel more informed.
 

• 1. What is ultrasound and how does it work?

  It’s a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures in the body. It can be used for many things including to examine organs, blood vessels and soft tissue, to monitor the health of a fetus during pregnancy, or guide a needle for biopsy or treatment.

• 2. What can ultrasound be used for?

  Ultrasound has many uses in both humans and animals. It can be used to diagnose injuries or identify things such as lumps, cysts and tumours. It can be used on most areas of the body such as the abdomen, heart, muscles and tendons, female pelvis and at all stages in pregnancy. Common conditions seen with ultrasound include inflammation of the thyroid, pancreas or other organs, gallstones, physical conditions in pregnancy, fibroids and muscle tears.

• 3. Is ultrasound safe and does is hurt?

  In experienced hands with a qualified ultrasound practitioner, ultrasound is generally a safe procedure and typically painless. For external scans, a small amount of gel is applied before an ultrasound probe is moved across the skin. You may feel some discomfort if the probe is pressed into an already painful area, such as a swollen joint. For internal scans, the probe is inserted into the body which can be uncomfortable, if there is already pain in that area. You can ask for the scan to be stopped at any time if needed.

• 4. How does ultrasound differ from other medical imaging techniques like MRI, CT, or X‑ray?

  All these methods produce images of the inside of the body, but in different ways:

  • Ultrasound uses sound waves and works best to examine soft tissues, organs and structures.
  • MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves. It can provide very detailed images of soft tissues and is mostly used for complex diagnoses.
  • X-ray uses ionising radiation to produce 2D images. It can be used to diagnose fractures or to identify lung conditions amongst other things.
  • CT scans produce 3D images of bones and soft tissues. It is used to assess the spread of cancer or diagnose complex injuries, internal bleeding and tumours.

• 5. Why do they use gel during an ultrasound?

  The gel helps the sound waves travel smoothly from the probe into your body without any air pockets getting in the way. It makes the images clearer and more accurate. Without the gel, the sound would not be able to get through and the screen would be blank.

• 6. Who performs an ultrasound scan?

  Sonographers (ultrasound imaging professionals) and radiologists (doctors who specialise in imaging) are highly trained specialist practitioners that carry out ultrasound scans. Other healthcare professionals may also have had training to carry out scans as part of their role for example physiotherapists, podiatrists, nurses and midwives. You can ask what training someone has completed.

• 7. What do I need to do to prepare for the ultrasound appointment?

  You should be given instructions about whether you need to do anything before the scan appointment. It might be that you need a full bladder, so that the sonographer can see the bladder and structures behind it. For other scans you might be asked to fast (not eat or drink for a few hours before) so that the gallbladder can be seen clearly or if you are having a test that involves taking tissue samples. Many other scans do not need any preparation. 

  Unless told otherwise, please take your usual medications with water as normal.

  It is worth wearing loose fitting clothes that are easy to lift up or remove, depending on the type of scan. It is possible that some of the gel might get on clothes, so don’t wear your best outfit. 

  Try to plan ahead so that you arrive in plenty of time to find the ultrasound department and know where to go.
   

• 8.What if I have any questions or specific needs?

  Please contact the ultrasound department as soon as you can, to tell them what your needs are, so they can try to provide the support your need. It can be difficult to do that on the day, if they are not aware before you come to the department.

• 9. If I want to have a baby scan in a clinic, as well as my NHS scans, what should I look for?

  When choosing a baby scan clinic, it is important to be aware that not all people performing the scans will be trained to the same level. Some have very little or no formal training. You want to ask what training the person doing the scan has had and how long it took. Most courses for learning to scan pregnancies take 6 to 12 months. 

  The Care Quality Commission have published some guidance on what to look for when choosing a baby scan clinic. 
   

• 10. Where can I find more information?

  The NHS have information on their website. 

  You can ask the ultrasound department or the person that referred you for the scan for more information.