Our services
Ultrasound
Ultrasound refers to sound waves with a high frequency. During an ultrasound exam, these sound waves create images on a screen that display the inside of your body.
Because ultrasound is readily available and cost-effective, it is often the first diagnostic test ordered for abdominal, pelvic and musculoskeletal pain. Areas of pain, swelling or infection can be directly assessed in real-time.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, painless test that is performed using a smooth hand-held transducer.
The transducer transmits high-frequency sound waves into your body, of which are reflected from different body tissues to produce a real time moving image on a screen.
It is used extensively during pregnancy, and to assess many organs and superficial parts, as well as the heart and blood vessels. Areas of pain, swelling or infection can be directly assessed in real time.
Because it’s readily available and cost-effective, it is often the first diagnostic test ordered for abdominal, pelvic and musculoskeletal pain.
Why is ultrasound done?
Areas of pain, swelling or infection can be directly assessed in real-time.
Because ultrasound is readily available and cost-effective, it is often the first diagnostic test ordered for abdominal, pelvic, and musculoskeletal pain.
Types of Ultrasound
This examination may be performed internally, externally or both. The best way to examine the pelvic organs in detail is to perform a transvaginal (endovaginal) ultrasound, in which the ultrasound transducer is on the end of a thin probe which is inserted into the vagina.
Transvaginal ultrasound is usually recommended for patients who are 18 years and above. If the examination is not urgent, it is best performed between days 5 to 12 of your menstrual cycle. The sonographer will explain the process in detail and ensure that you are happy to have the examination – it will not be performed without your consent.
External pelvic ultrasound – In situations where an internal pelvic ultrasound is not appropriate, the examination will be performed by placing the ultrasound transducer on top of the lower abdomen.
To ensure that the inside of the pelvis area is seen clearly on the screen, a full bladder is required. Empty your bladder one (1) hour before your appointment, then drink one (1) litre of clear fluid or cordial. Do not empty your bladder before your appointment.
Click here to learn more about Pregnancy Ultrasound.
Ultrasound Elastography (also known as ARFI) is quickly becoming the new gold standard for fast and accurate diagnosis and monitoring of chronic liver disease.
It is used to stage the severity of liver disease by measuring the ‘hardness’ of the liver tissue and fibres, which can be an indication of liver fibrosis. This is determined by measuring the time a vibration wave, or shear wave, takes to travel to a particular depth inside the liver. Accurate diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis is essential for the prognosis and management of chronic liver disease.
ARFI provides a non-invasive alternative to painful liver biopsy. ARFI is straight forward and painless. The patient will be asked to lay on their back and the test typically takes about 10 minutes to perform.
Patients will be required to fast for 4 hours prior to their appointment.
For a urinary tract ultrasound (kidneys, bladder and ureters, prostate) you must empty your bladder one (1) hour before your appointment, then drink one (1) litre of clear fluid or cordial 30 minutes prior to your scan time.
Do not empty your bladder again until after the examination is complete, as your bladder must be full during the scan.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
You will need a referral from your doctor to make an appointment.
Read all the instructions given to you by your doctor or provided by us, as you may be required to fast depending on the type of imaging.
Wear clothing that will provide easy access to the area requiring imaging.
Please bring any previous, relevant examinations for comparison.
If you have diabetes, or you are on any medication, please contact us to check special preparation instructions, and our staff will advise of any specific preparation.
On the day
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.
After your appointment
After your scan you can go about your day as normal.
One of our radiologists will interpret the ultrasound and provide your referring doctor with a comprehensive report about the findings.
It is very important you book a timely follow-up appointment to discuss your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
The entire procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, although real scanning time is only 2-3 minutes.
A radiologist (a medical doctor specialising in the interpretation of medical images for the purposes of providing a diagnosis) will review your images and provide a formal written report to your GP or specialist.
If medically urgent, or you have an appointment immediately after the scan to be seen by your GP or health care provider, Apex Radiology will have your results ready on the day. Otherwise, the report will be received by your GP or health care provider within the next 24 hours.
You will receive your images at the end of your examination.
Please remember to make a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor or health care provider to discuss your results.
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.
Our friendly reception staff will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.
Patient Safety
Ultrasound is a safe examination which provides excellent imaging without any known risks.
Not all causes of pain show 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.