Ultrasound

Depending on the area being examined during your ultrasound there will be different preparations.

Abdomen

• Please do not eat or drink for hours prior to your appointment (nil by mouth)
• Sips of water with medication are allowed

Renal/Bladder/Prostate

• Preferably a 4 hour fast
• Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment

Pelvis

• Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment

Pregnancy

• Please note that all accompanying children must be supervised by an adult and due to the medical nature of this examination, the Sonographer may need time with just the patient to complete the scan

Early pregnancy

• Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment

First Trimester Screening – Nuchal Translucency Scan (12w 4d – 13w 6d)

• Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment
• Please ensure that all blood tests are performed 7 days prior to the appointment so results are not delayed

12-16 Week Scan

• Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment

18-20 Week Morphology Scan

• Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 1 litre of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment

24-40 Week Scan

• Please empty your bladder 60 minutes prior to your scan
• Drink 500-750 ml of water-based fluid in the first 30 minutes so you arrive with a full bladder
• If you are feeling uncomfortable, you may partially empty the bladder trying to retain as much urine as possible
• If your bladder is not sufficiently full, this may delay the scan or result in rescheduling the appointment

Echocardiography

• No preparation required

Carotids/ Limb Veins/ Limb Arteries

• No preparation required

Musculoskeletal/ Thyroid/ Testes/ Breast

• No preparation required

Ultrasound is a safe examination which provides excellent imaging without any known risks. At Central Queensland Radiology, these scans are performed by Accredited Medical Sonographers who have undergone tertiary university studies.

Not all causes of pain are seen on ultrasound, so further testing may be required. Ultrasound does not involve ionising radiation, making it ideal for pregnant women, their babies, and children. The sonographer will set the equipment to the lowest intensity necessary to achieve high quality images. The results of your scan will be sent directly to your referring Doctor, and it is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.

During the examination a water-based gel will be applied to the skin over the area to be scanned to improve the transmission of sound waves between the body and the ultrasound transducer. To get the best possible images the sonographer may ask you to hold your breath or move your position so the best images can be obtained.

On occasion, a radiologist may need to speak with you and perform some ultrasound scanning as well, in order to clarify what has been shown in the images and ensure the question asked by your referring doctor is answered accurately.

Find the right clinic for you here

Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings will you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.