Ultrasound
This is a test performed either by a radiologist (X-ray doctor) or sonographer (health professional specialising in ultrasound). Ultrasound is used to look at different organs within the body, such as the liver. Ultrasound can also be used to look at specific blood vessels, such as leg and arm veins for blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
This is a safe examination and it is often used as a first line of investigation for many different clinical problems.
How should I prepare for the scan?
Upper abdominal examinations
Patients are asked to have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the appointment time. Diabetic patients will normally be given early appointments; you can contact the department if this applies to you, and you are concerned.
Renal and pelvic examinations
Patients are required to have a full bladder for this examination. You will be asked to drink 1.5 pints of water, to be finished one hour prior to the appointment time. The preparation for children varies slightly and requires that a child is encouraged to drink plenty, in order to try and fill their bladder. Fizzy drinks must be avoided.
Upper abdominal and pelvic examinations
Patients are asked to have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the appointment time. You are required to have a full bladder for this examination and are asked to drink 1.5 pints of water, to be finished one hour prior to the appointment time.
Get in touch
For medical imaging queries call
01226 432550
For general ultrasound appointments call
01226 432638
What will happen during the scan?
Patients will be invited into the examination room unaccompanied, unless the patient is a child or if the patient is in need of support. Once in the examination room, you will be asked to lie on a couch. A clear gel will be applied to the skin surface of the area being examined. An ultrasound probe will be run over this area in order to build up a picture on the monitor.
You will be asked to lie in certain positions so that a complete examination is possible. You may be asked to follow specific breathing instructions; this will be explained during the scan.
Ultrasound guided injections and aspirations
Ultrasound guided steroid injection
Steroid (cortisone) is a very powerful anti-inflammatory medication. By delivering a high dose into the affected body part through injection, the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of cortisone may help treat the patient’s pain.
Cortisone is given by injection using ultrasound guidance, to ensure that the medication is delivered precisely to the correct location.
As a general rule, 3 injections into the same body part are permitted over a 12 month period. Injections more frequently than this are felt to place the injection site tissue at risk of softening or weakening. If patients require more than 3 injections in a year, then the risk of the injection must be balanced against the benefits of pain relief.
In these circumstances, the patient should have a full discussion with the referring doctor.
It is very rare to bleed following a simple joint injection. If patients have bleeding tendencies (or happen to be on anti-clotting, or anti-platelet medication) there is a small risk of bleeding into soft tissues or joints.
If the patient is on anti-coagulation therapy, this may need to be stopped. Further guidance can be obtained by contacting the department.
Biopsies and drainages
These are mainly performed with patients attending via a ward. The patient is referred so that a sample of tissue can be obtained for histology (study of cell tissues), or a collection of fluid taken for histology, or comfort and pain relief. The procedure is performed by a radiologist with ultrasound guidance.
Fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules
This is usually performed as an out-patient by a consultant radiologist, with ultrasound guidance. A sample of tissue is obtained from part of the thyroid for further examination.
If the patient is on anti-coagulation therapy, this may need to be stopped. Further guidance can be obtained by contacting the department.
Following the procedure, patients will be allowed to leave the department provided they feel well enough to do so.
General Information
Pregnancy
Pregnant patients can safely have an ultrasound examination. Scans to look at their baby are performed in the department sited close to the antenatal clinic. Pregnant patients may be referred to the general department, for other clinical reasons.
When will I get my results?
The results of the scan will be sent back to the doctor who referred you. If you were referred by a GP, you are advised to make an appointment after 10 days to discuss the results. If you were referred by one of the doctors in the hospital, the results will be normally be discussed with you at your next clinic appointment.
Accessibility and travel information
Visit the AccessAble website for accessibility information and directions for visiting the ultrasound scan department at Barnsley Hospital.