Everything You Need to Know
Ultrasound scans are a cornerstone in modern diagnostics, providing invaluable insights across a multitude of medical specialties. From guiding obstetricians in monitoring the health and development of a fetus during pregnancy to aiding cardiologists in assessing heart conditions, ultrasounds play a critical role in health care. Ultrasound is a very safe procedure which doesn’t use any radiation and has no side effects.
Are there any risks involved?
Ultrasound is a very safe procedure which doesn’t use any radiation and has no side effects.
Who performs the scan?
You will be cared for by our imaging team.
Radiologists are specially trained doctors, a radiologist will perform the ultrasound and report the scan once it is complete.
Radiology Department Assistants will support you and assist the radiologist during the examinations.
Vascular Scientists are highly trained healthcare professionals who carry out ultrasound extermination of veins and arteries.
Before The Scan
Appointment Scheduling
Upon confirming your US scan with us, you’ll receive an appointment letter detailing the date, time, and location. Should you have any queries or need to reschedule, our friendly patient care team is here to assist.
Preparing for the scan
Preparing for your ultrasound might involve specific steps, depending on the area being examined. Sometimes we will ask you to fast before the ultrasound. You will still be able to drink water during this time. If you are on any medication, take it as usual. You may be asked to fast for a certain period or drink water to fill your bladder. Wear clothes that are easy to remove as you will need to uncover the area being scanned. Our team will provide all the necessary instructions ahead of your appointment to ensure optimal imaging results.
During The Scan
On the day of your scan, you’ll be in the capable hands of our experienced imaging team
Once in the department or scan room, we will ask you to remove any clothes that are covering the area we need to examine. You will then lie on the examination couch. The process is simple and painless: a clear gel is applied to the area being examined, and a small device, known as a transducer, is gently moved over the skin. This device emits sound waves that bounce off body tissues and are captured to create images on a monitor. The radiologist will slowly move the probe over the area whilst viewing the images produced on a monitor. The lights in the room will be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly. Your radiologist will record selected images so that they can view them later. Once the exam has finished, You will be provided with tissues to clean off the gel, you will then be free to dress.
How long will it take?
This depends on which part of your body is being scanned and the information your referrer needs. Most scans take between 10 and 30
minutes.
Will I feel any pain?
You can’t feel ultrasound. However, the radiologist will need to examine you in the correct position and gently press down on the probe to get a good view. For some people this can feel uncomfortable. If you do feel uneasy at any point, please let the radiologist know.
After The Scan
In most cases, as soon as the scan is finished you can leave the department. You can eat and drink as normal and resume your usual activities straight after the scan.
Following the scan, our radiologists will analyse the images and report their findings to your referring physician, who will then discuss the results with you. This collaborative approach ensures you receive comprehensive care and guidance on any further steps or treatments that may be needed.
Attending the Imaging Department
Registration
All patients are required to check-in and register at the imaging reception before any appointment. Please ensure you arrive early for your appointment to complete registration.
Self-Funding Patients
The imaging administrative team can provide quotes for all examinations in the imaging department, if you would like to know the cost of your examination before your appointment, please contact us.
Insured Patients
If you are insured please bring your insurance membership number and authorisation number with you to your imaging appointment. If you do not provide these details at the time of registration you may be asked to self-fund for the exam.
Accessing Results
A copy of your report will be sent to your referring doctor within 48 hours of your appointment. If you are seeing your doctor within 48 hours please let one of the imaging team know so we can expedite this.
- We are unable to release imaging reports to you, as the patient until your doctor has had the opportunity to discuss the results with you.
- You doctor should be able to provide you with a copy of the report, please contact us following your consultation if they are unable to do so
from £415*
Prices depend on how many body parts are scanned
| £415 |
Please send us an enquiry form
How to pay for your test
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Top Tips
Understand the purpose of your US scan and how it can assist in your diagnosis or treatment. Knowledge is empowering and can ease any concerns you might have.
Adhering to the guidelines provided by our team ensures the highest quality images are obtained.
While ultrasounds are painless, being relaxed can enhance the experience and effectiveness of the procedure.
Don’t hesitate to communicate any concerns or discomfort during the procedure; our team is there to make the process as comfortable as possible for you.