A small number of essential health care professionals will be present during the examination. This is normally two people; the healthcare professional (a doctor or a sonographer) doing the scan and a healthcare assistant to help if required. Occasionally a nurse may be present for certain examinations. All staff present during the scan will be introduced to you and their role explained.
NHS Tayside train many trainee radiologists and trainee sonographers. You may be scanned by a trainee but they are closely supervised at all levels of their training. You may find you have two people scanning you because of this but that will be discussed with you before the examination begins.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound examinations are offered across Tayside and your appointment could be at any of the 6 sites - Ninewells Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital, Kings Cross, Stracathro Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary or Arbroath Infirmary. Please refer to your appointment letter to confirm the location, date and time of your appointment.
Ultrasound appointments are normally offered between 0830am and 1700pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note, you may also be offered an appointment during the evening or at the weekend. Clinical Radiology Department in NHS Tayside does not offer pregnancy scans. A separate department deals with those.
Ultrasound appointments are normally offered between 0830am and 1700pm, Monday to Friday.
Please note, you may also be offered an appointment during the evening or at the weekend. Clinical Radiology Department in NHS Tayside does not offer pregnancy scans. A separate department deals with those.
The Team
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound examination uses sound waves to build up a picture of a wide range of body parts including kidneys, liver, muscles and thyroid.
The Procedure
What happens during an ultrasound examination?
You will be asked to lie on a scan table. The sonographer or radiologist will explain the examination before he or she starts. Some gel will be applied to the area of your body that is going to be examined so that the sound waves can be transmitted through the body. The lights in the room will be turned down so that the monitor can be seen clearly. He or she will then move a small scanning instrument (like a microphone), over this area.
You may be asked to hold your breath or move into different positions. You should not feel any pain during the scan. If you find it difficult or uncomfortable, please tell the sonographer. You should expect to be in the department for about 30 minutes.
You will be asked to lie on a scan table. The sonographer or radiologist will explain the examination before he or she starts. Some gel will be applied to the area of your body that is going to be examined so that the sound waves can be transmitted through the body. The lights in the room will be turned down so that the monitor can be seen clearly. He or she will then move a small scanning instrument (like a microphone), over this area.
You may be asked to hold your breath or move into different positions. You should not feel any pain during the scan. If you find it difficult or uncomfortable, please tell the sonographer. You should expect to be in the department for about 30 minutes.
Results
The sonographer or radiologist will send a full report of the ultrasound scan to the person who requested it. This will be done within 2 weeks of your appointment.
You can find details of the referring hospital department or GP Practice in your appointment letter.
You can find details of the referring hospital department or GP Practice in your appointment letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information
You will find an information leaflet enclosed with your appointment letter providing essential details about your scan. Please ensure you read this information and follow any instructions carefully.
