Ultrasound

Your Doctor (GP or hospital consultant) will have referred you to have an ultrasound.

An ultrasound can give information that leads to or helps to make a diagnosis about your medical condition. It can also be used to monitor or follow-up an existing condition.

Pelvis: A pelvis ultrasound is used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. It allows safe and effective visualisation of the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. 

Abdomen:  An abdominal ultrasound is used to assess organs and structures within the abdomen. This includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, aorta and kidneys.

Neck/Thyroid: Ultrasound is also used to visualise glands (thyroid, submandibular and parotid glands), vessels (carotids) and many other structures within the neck.

Upper and lower limb Doppler: An ultrasound doppler exam can detect the presence of deep venous thrombosis within the veins in the arm or leg. 

Testicular: Testicular ultrasound is the primary method used in the evaluation of the testes, epididymis and scrotum.

If any preparation is required for your scan this information will be provided in your appointment letter. 

If you are having a scan of your tummy region (Liver / Gallbladder / biliary system) you will be required to fast for at least 6hrs prior to your appointment. Please note you may take any prescription medication as normal with some water only.

If you are having a scan of your pelvis you will be required to have a full bladder. Please drink at least 1.5 litres of fluid (you may drink whatever fluid you wish– water, juice etc) 1 hour prior to your appointment.  For example if your appointment is at 11am please drink the required amount of fluid and have it finished at 10am. This will give sufficient time for the fluid to reach your bladder in time for your ultrasound scan.

If you are having a pelvic and abdominal scan which requires both filling and fasting please fill your bladder by drinking water only -no juice, tea or coffee etc. This will not affect the fasting element of your scan.

If you have any queries about the preparation for your scan please contact us.

You will be asked to lie down on the ultrasound couch and remove the clothing from the area which is being scanned. 

The sonographer/radiologist with then put some water based gel on the area. The ultrasound probe will then be placed on the region of interest and moved in different directions to acquire all of the necessary images. 

You may be asked to hold your breath for certain parts of the examination. A small amount of pressure will be applied to the probe to get the best images possible. For some people this maybe uncomfortable, if you do feel uncomfortable please inform the sonographer/radiologist so adjustments can be made.

Occasionally, a second opinion is required which is no cause for alarm.

You can resume your daily activities and eat and drink as normal after your scan.

The result will be sent back to the Doctor who referred you for the ultrasound scan. This can take up to a week.

Referral information

Healthlink referrals accepted

Email: radiology@svph.ie

Tel: (01) 263 8030 

Please ensure to include:

• Patients Full Name
• Patients Date of Birth
• Patients Address
• Specific scan required
• Clinical Information/Reason for referral
• GP Signature and MCN
• Date of Referral

Additional appointment details

• Appointments only
• these services are available to both Inpatient and Outpatient
• Request are scheduled according to priority/ urgency 
• Direct payment may be available in some circumstances subject to your private health insurance provider and  policy