What to expect

• If you are having an ultrasound guided steroid injection, your procedure will be different to a standard ultrasound scan. 
• If you need to do anything to prepare, we'll let you know in your appointment letter. This may include a period of fasting, drinking some water or having a full bladder. You can still take your usual medication with water up to the time of your scan.
• Allow at least one hour for your appointment. How long your ultrasound will take depends on the part of your body being scanned and the information your doctor needs. 
• A sonographer will perform your ultrasound. They may consult with a doctor if required.
• You will be asked to remove any clothes from over the area being scanned. You will also be asked to lie on the examination couch.
• Lubricating gel will be put onto your skin. A small handheld probe will then be moved smoothly over your skin.
• You can't feel the ultrasound beam. The sonographer will gently press down with the probe to get a good view. If you do feel uncomfortable please let them know.
• We will record some images so that your doctor can view them later.
• Once your ultrasound is over, the gel will be wiped off and you will be free to put your clothes back on.
• In some cases, female patients having a pelvic ultrasound may need to have a probe placed inside their vagina so that the sonographer can get a clear picture of the parts of your body being scanned. If this is the case, the sonographer will fully explain what is involved and obtain your consent before they start.

What to bring

When you come to hospital for your appointment, you need to bring:

• Medicare card
• Health care card/concession card (if applicable)
• Private health insurance details (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes) including herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame (if applicable)
• Your blood glucose meter and log book (if applicable)

What to leave at home:

• Jewellery
• Anything metal
• Other valuables

Contact us

Radiology

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