Ultrasound Scan

What is an Ultrasound Scan?

An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive procedure that creates real-time images of organs, tissues, and blood flow within the body. Because it uses high-frequency sound waves, unlike X-ray or CT scans, ultrasound uses no radiation, making it particularly suitable for examining soft tissues and monitoring pregnancy.

The field of ultrasound is advancing rapidly. According to a study by the University of Birmingham, the latest ultrasound techniques can detect 96% of ovarian cancers. Given its effectiveness, speed and safety, it's no surprise that when NHS England took a monthly snapshot of all imaging tests ordered by GPs, ultrasound tests of the abdomen and pelvis often made up nearly half of them.

At LivingCare, our expert sonographers and consultant radiologists perform ultrasound examinations at both our Leeds and Sheffield clinics, using advanced equipment to ensure exceptional image quality and accurate diagnosis across a wide range of applications.

How an Ultrasound Scan Works

Ultrasound imaging operates on a remarkably straightforward yet sophisticated principle. A handheld device emits high-frequency sound waves – far beyond the range of human hearing – that travel through the skin and into your body. These sound waves bounce back at varying speeds when they encounter different tissues and structures.

These echoes are processed to create real-time images displayed on a monitor. It differentiates between solid tissues and fluid-filled spaces, and as it is a 'live' image, it shows movement and function, not just static anatomy – including blood flow, joints and breathing.

What Can an Ultrasound Scan Be Used For?

Ultrasound is one of the most versatile imaging procedures, and it is used in numerous medical specialties. At LivingCare, we commonly use ultrasound for:

1. Abdominal imaging: Examining the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen to detect abnormalities such as stones, tumours, or inflammatory conditions
2. Pelvic assessment: Evaluating the uterus, ovaries, and bladder in women, and the prostate and bladder in men
3. Vascular studies: Assessing blood flow in arteries and veins to detect blockages, clots, or aneurysms
4. Musculoskeletal examination: Diagnosing tendon tears, ligament sprains, joint inflammation, and soft tissue injuries
5. Breast imaging: Complementing mammography to investigate lumps or abnormalities
6. Thyroid and neck assessment: Examining the thyroid gland and lymph nodes for abnormalities
7. Scrotal imaging: Evaluating testicular pain or swelling
8. Procedural guidance: Directing needle biopsies, fluid drainage, or injections with precise accuracy

Ultrasound's safety profile, real-time capability, and excellent soft tissue contrast make it an indispensable diagnostic tool.

What to Expect When Receiving an Ultrasound Scan in Leeds and Sheffield

Before Your Appointment

Preparation for your ultrasound varies depending on the area being examined. For abdominal scans, you may need to fast for 6-8 hours to reduce gas in the intestines and ensure optimal liver, gallbladder, and pancreas imaging. For pelvic and bladder scans, you'll typically be asked to drink water and arrive with a full bladder, which improves visualisation of pelvic structures.

Our team will give you all the guidance you need when you book your appointment. On the day, wear some loose, comfortable clothing to easily show the area being examined.

During Your Appointment

When you arrive for your ultrasound:

1. You'll lie comfortably on an examination table, positioned appropriately for the area being scanned
2. The sonographer applies a water-based gel to your skin to enhance sound transmission
3. A handheld transducer will be moved gently over the area, applying light pressure
4. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change positions during the examination
5. For some examinations, a specialised transducer might be used for internal imaging (such as transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound)
6. The sonographer will capture still images of important findings while also observing real-time movement

Most ultrasound examinations are completely painless, though you may feel minor pressure from the transducer. It typically takes 15-45 minutes, depending on complexity and which area is being examined.

Our experienced sonographers will explain what they're doing throughout the scan, and a consultant radiologist will review all images to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

After Your Appointment

Following your ultrasound, you can return to normal activities immediately. There is no recovery time needed, no after-effects, and you can eat and drink normally.

In many cases, our sonographers and radiologists can provide preliminary findings immediately after your scan. Our consultant radiologist will prepare a comprehensive report, typically available within 24-48 hours. Urgent results can be expedited when clinically necessary.

Risks and Complications of an Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is considered one of the safest medical imaging procedures available. After more than 50 years of extensive clinical use, no harmful effects have been observed when used according to clinical guidelines. And unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound doesn't use ionising radiation.

The minimal considerations include:

1. Mild discomfort: Pressure from the handheld device may cause slight discomfort, particularly over tender areas
2. Internal examinations: Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound may cause temporary, mild discomfort, but shouldn't be painful
3. Full bladder discomfort: For pelvic scans requiring a full bladder, you may experience temporary urgency until the examination is complete
4. Limited visualisation: In some cases, factors such as intestinal gas or scarring may limit image quality, potentially necessitating alternative imaging

At LivingCare, our experienced team ensures your comfort throughout the procedure while obtaining the highest quality diagnostics.

How to Recover Following an Ultrasound Scan

One of the significant advantages of ultrasound scanning is that no recovery period is required. After your examination, there are no dietary restrictions, and you can drive and return to work immediately.

In the exceptionally rare cases where sedation might be used for an interventional ultrasound procedure, you would need someone to drive you home. When recovering from sedation, you should rest for the remainder of the day.

References

NHS Ultrasound Scan

British Medical Ultrasound Society

Royal College of Radiologists