Radiology

An ultrasound scan is a quick and accurate examination of soft tissue organs It can help healthcare providers investigate the cause of a wide range of symptoms such as pain, masses or abnormal blood test results. Common body parts diagnosed in an ultrasound examination include the liver, pancreas, kidney, uterus, ovaries, prostate, breasts, thyroid, and blood vessels. 

Prenatal ultrasound examinations are also conducted routinely for monitoring the womb of pregnant women and the growth of the foetus. 

Sometimes, ultrasound is used for guidance in several interventional procedures. Examples are fine needle aspiration of fluid collection or cysts, core biopsy of mass lesion and pre-surgical lesion localization.

You are advised to wear comfortable loose clothes. It is better to wear a 2-piece outfit. You may be asked to change into a gown. It is recommended you leave your valuables at home to avoid concerns about them during the examination. 

Preparation depends on the type and region of the examination you are going to have. Some types of ultrasound require no preparation at all. 

For examinations of the pelvis (urinary bladder, transabdominal prostate, gynaecological or obstetrics cases), you need to fill up the urinary bladder. Please drink 1L (~4 cups) of water one hour before the scan. 

For examination of the abdomen involving the gall bladder, you must not eat or drink (except water) at least six hours before the scan. 

You will be given preparation instructions when you make the appointment.

You will lie on your back or side on the examination couch. The sonographer will apply a warm water-soluble gel on your skin over the area to be examined. The radiologist or sonographer will then move a handheld transducer (probe) over the gel to capture images inside your body. You may be asked to hold your breath. Occasionally, the operator may need to apply some pressure on your body in order to obtain a better image. After rechecking by radiologist, the remaining gel on your skin will be wiped off, and the examination is completed. 

An ultrasound examination takes 20 to 60 minutes to complete depending on the area of the body to be studied and the difficulty of the examination.

Your normal diet and activities can be resumed, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.