Preparing for your ultrasound
Duration:
From 15 to 90 minutes (approx.)
Type:
High frequency sound waves
Prep:
Specific for each exam
Notes:
Fasting may be required
Before your visit
We want you to feel comfortable and prepared for your scan. Here’s what to expect.
- Depending on what your referrer is asking for there will be preparation that varies for each scan and will be explained to you in detail when your appointment is booked.
- It is recommended that you wear loose comfortable clothing. You may be asked to put on a gown
- You should arrive 10 minutes before the appointment to complete paperwork.
- It is important to bring the referral form, Medicare card, healthcare/pension card and any previous imaging reports related to the specific area being scanned.
For some scans:
- You may be required to fast, or drink water to fill the bladder prior to scan
- You may need to cease blood thinning/anticoagulants if having a procedure
- You may need to have someone to drive you home following the procedure
Patient preparation for Ultrasound
See the detailed guide to prepare for your ultrasound.
View the guideDuring your scan
- The sonographer will explain what the scan entails and the images taken.
- You’ll lay on an ultrasound scanning bed
- Water based gel will be applied to the skin in the area to be scanned, to allow optimal contact with the transducer (a handheld plastic probe which sends and receives the reflected sound waves that forms the image). The transducer is moved slowly over the area of interest to acquire images in different planes.
- The images are displayed on a computer monitor for interpretation.
- Ultrasound is generally painless but discomfort from transducer pressure may be experienced if the region examined is tender.
- Scan times vary – we’ll let you know the expected duration when you book
Is ultrasound safe when pregnant?
Ultrasound scanning has no known harmful effects on the mother or the baby.
Further reading
Why choose GMI for your ultrasound
We specialise in ultrasound of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system, including investigating injuries to ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves in areas such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
Our on-site radiologists are qualified in musculoskeletal and sports imaging, having completed recent fellowships in the speciality. They also have extensive experience in ultrasound guided injections, as well as Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) Therapy.
GMI is engaged with many local and national sporting teams including The Canberra Raiders, ACT Brumbies, University of Canberra Capitals, Rowing Australia, ACT Meteors and many national and international cricketers to provide specialist musculoskeletal services.
Helping these sporting teams to reach their potential, like the associated sport itself, is one of GMI’s passions.
We have partnered with Samsung Ultrasound and are confident our equipment and sonographers will deliver more detail and diagnostic clarity.
We use state-of-the-art technology and new techniques.
Several of our diagnostic systems within our ultrasound machine have been developed by Samsung in recent months.
Our radiology team has been, and continues to be involved in, developing better imaging techniques and work closely with the manufacturers and system engineers to improve the end result for the patients.
GMI is a leader in Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a promising solution to naturally accelerate healing of tendon injuries/degeneration and osteoarthritis, without subjecting patients to significant risk. PRP therapy aims to merge cutting-edge technology with the body’s natural ability to heal.
PRP injections may assist in easing the pain and symptoms of:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Knee tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
Learn more about PRP injection procedures