Ultrasound Scans for Adults: Regions other than breasts and pelvis

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is used widely in all developed countries for diagnostic imaging. Ultrasound can be performed on many parts of the body such as the pelvis, liver, kidneys, breasts, etc. Your doctor will order the required scan.

Medical ultrasound for diagnostic imaging employs sound waves in the range of 1-18 MHz. An ultrasound probe emits and receives echoes. When placed on the body, the echoes from the area are depicted on the ultrasound monitor. This enables us to see and examine the organs.

To optimise transmission of the sound waves, gel is applied over the specific body part to ensure good contact with the ultrasound probe.

Is there any risk involved?

Ultrasound scans are painless and safe. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound scans do not use ionising radiation. Research has shown that there are no harmful effects associated with the medical use of ultrasound.

How is an ultrasound scan performed?

After you lie on a couch, gel is applied over the region to be scanned. An ultrasound probe is then moved around to obtain ultrasonic images of the region.

Who will perform the scan?

A sonographer (a specially trained healthcare professional) or radiologist (a doctor specialising in radiology) will perform the scan.

Who will prepare the report after ultrasound scan?

Our radiologist will prepare the scan report. In certain cases we may need to call you back if our radiologist requires additional images.

When the scan report is ready, your doctor will review the report online, together with the results of other tests that you may have done. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you.

When will I know the results?

If your appointment with the doctor in the clinic is on the same day as the scan, the report will be ready in about 1.5 hours after the scan ends.

If the medical appointment is on a different day, the doctor will discuss the results with you then. If there are urgent concerns, the medical team will contact you to schedule an early review.

Will I need to be admitted?

The examination does not require hospital admission. If you are hospitalised on the appointment day, please inform the ward staff to contact the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging about your appointment.

For a successful scan, please follow the instructions below.

Preparing for your scan​	Recipient to acknowledge the relevant section below​
For US Abdomen US Hepatobiliary System US Doppler, Renal Arteries US Doppler, Renal veins Doppler Study, Abdominal Do not eat for at least six to eight hours before the scan. Drink only water or clear juices before the scan (eg. grapes, apples or any drinks that you can see through). There is no limit to how much fluid can be consumed. Avoid juices that contain pulp (eg. orange or aloe vera), milk or milky beverages (eg. Milo).	​
For US Kidneys US Kidneys/ Bladder: Continue with your normal diet. Drink one to two cups (200 ml/ cup) of water approximately one hour before the scan. Do not empty your bladder just before the scan. Note: If your doctor has advised fluid restriction for your medical condition, please follow your doctor’s advice and inform the staff attending to you.​	​

For ultrasound pelvis and breast ultrasound scans, refer to respective brochures.
No special preparations are required for other types of scans.