Ultrasound (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves — not radiation — to produce real-time images of the soft tissues and organs inside your body. It is safe, painless and one of the most common imaging tests, used for the abdomen, pelvis, thyroid, muscles and joints, blood vessels and pregnancy.
A sonographer moves a small handheld probe with warm gel across the skin while watching the images on a screen. Depending on the type of scan, the examination takes between 15 and 60 minutes.
What to expect
- You may be asked to change into a gown and lie on a comfortable examination bed.
- Warm gel is applied to the skin so the probe makes good contact — it wipes off easily afterwards.
- The sonographer captures the images a radiologist needs, and may ask you to breathe in or change position.
- Some scans (for example a transvaginal pelvic scan) are internal and are only done with your consent.
Types we offer
- General / Abdominal — liver, gallbladder, kidneys, abdomen.
- Pelvic — transabdominal (full bladder) or transvaginal, with consent.
- Small Parts — thyroid, scrotum, hernia scan, superficial lumps.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) — shoulder, knee, hip and other joints, tendons and soft-tissue lumps.
- Breast — initial examination or follow-up. Female sonographer available on request.
- Vascular / Doppler — arteries and veins, carotid studies, DVT and chronic venous insufficiency / varicose veins.
- Pregnancy / obstetric — see our Pregnancy Ultrasound page for the scans at each stage.
How to prepare
| Examination | Typical preparation |
|---|---|
| Upper abdomen (liver, gallbladder) | Do not eat for 6–8 hours before; small sips of water and medications are fine. |
| Female pelvis (transabdominal) | Full bladder — drink about 750 mL to 1 L of water an hour before and do not empty your bladder. |
| Renal (kidneys) | Drink water and arrive with a comfortably full bladder. |
| Breast, thyroid, scrotum, MSK, most vascular | No preparation needed. |
These are general guidelines — please follow the specific instructions we give you when you book or arrive.
What to bring
- Your referral (request form or letter from your doctor).
- Your Medicare card, and any concession, Health Care or DVA card.
- Previous images or reports of the same area, if you have them.
Your results
Our on-site Radiologist reviews your images and sends a formal report to your referring doctor, who will discuss the results with you. Results are not given out at reception.