You will be asked to sit or lie down for your ultrasound, and your sonographer will apply a water-based gel to your skin on the revelant area.

Your sonographer will perform a dedicated assessment of the area with a transducer, which is placed on the skin's surface and moved around. During the scan images will be acquired to support the diagnostic report.  

Some ultrasounds are performed by an internal examination, namely transvaginal pelvic scans. When arriving on the day at the clinic, you will be provided information regarding the internal examination for consent to be attained. During the appointment, the sonographer will also explain the process ahead of time and you will have the ability to discuss and questions or concerns. If you have a gender preference regarding your sonographer, please inform a staff member when you book your scan. You can request this for any ultrasound. 

Most simple ultrasound scans take about 15-20 minutes. 

Specific preparation instructions for ultrasound will vary depending on the type of scan you need. If you have existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure, or if you have any other concerns, please contact us.

Please wear loose clothing to your appointment, preferably with no metal. In some cases we may ask you to wear a gown. You may also be asked to remove objects like watches or jewellery for your scan, so consider leaving valuables at home. 

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any relevant previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient.

Information for some of the more commonly requested general ultrasound examinations is listed below. 

• Upper abdominal scans 

Upper abdominal scans encompass the liver, pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and aorta. If you are having an upper abdominal scan, you will need to fast. 

Adults need to fast (including not smoking or chewing gum) for at least 6 hours before their appointment (if diabetic fast for 4 hours). Have regular sips of water to stay hydrated.

• Pelvic and renal scans 

Pelvic and renal ultrasound scans assess the kidneys, bladder, and prostate in men and the kidneys, bladder, uterus, and ovaries in women.

During the 90 minutes before your appointment, empty your bladder and drink one litre of water. Finish drinking 60 minutes before your exam. A full bladder is required.

An ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, has no known risks, side effects, or complications, and these scans are considered very safe.  

General ultrasounds do not require any specific after care. After your scan, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner. 

Our friendly customer service team can advise you of all costs involved with your ultrasound, including any out-of-pocket costs. Please contact your preferred clinic for any quotes and enquiries.

We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan or bringing another adult with you to care for your child.

Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.

Our staff need to maintain full focus during your examination to ensure the best possible care.