Ultrasound scanning
An ultrasound scan is a common diagnostic test using high frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs in the body. Ultrasound can be used to look at all soft tissue structures and blood vessels.
Our service
At The Edinburgh Clinic we use three-dimensional ultrasonography which has proved to be a useful imaging tool for clinical problem-solving especially in gynecology.
3D ultrasound shows a ‘face-on’ view (coronal section) that cannot be seen with 2D ultrasound. 3D ultrasound imaging extends the capabilities of 2D imaging thus achieving better qualitative and quantitative information to help diagnose any problems more effectively.
We offer a wide range of ultrasound scans including:
- abdomen
- breast
- gynaecological
- obstetric
- organs - renal tract, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas and liver
- orthopaedic and sports injuries scans
- pelvis
Preparing for your scan
- Continue taking your normal medication unless you are told otherwise.
- If you are diabetic please contact us on 0131 447 2340.
- For abdominal ultrasound - please fast for four hours prior to your scan. You may drink clear, non fizzy liquids. You must not drink milk, even in tea or coffee.
- For pelvic ultrasound - please have a full bladder prior to your examination. You may wish to arrive earlier than your appointment time to prepare in the clinic with a drink.
Your scan
We have dedicated patient waiting areas and changing facilities to enable you to prepare for your scan in a friendly, comfortable and relaxed environment. You may be given a gown to change into depending on which area of the body is being scanned.
Once ready, your sonographer or Consultant Radiologist will accompany you into the scanning room and ask you to lie down on a bed. They will spread a thin layer of clear gel onto your skin over the area to be scanned and slide the ultrasound probe over this area until a good image can be found. The scan should be painless and will take between 15-30 minutes depending on which area is being scanned.
Your results
The scan is reported by one of our consultant radiologists. Your result will be sent to your doctor or healthcare professional who referred you for the scan and they will contact you directly.