Ultrasound Scans

How the Scan Works

An ultrasound scan uses very high-frequency soundwaves to create pictures of the inside of your body. Soundwaves are very safe. They don’t cause the same kind of damage as radiation or X-rays. The scan is conducted with a special handheld device that will be passed over your skin. The probe or transducer sends out soundwaves and then collects the echoes that bounce back. These echoes are used to create a picture, in the same way that bats use soundwaves to see. The moving pictures will be displayed on a screen in real time. Your doctor at our London Clinic can look at a particular organ, blood vessel or part of your body. It is even possible to see how well your organs are functioning and how blood is moving along your veins and arteries.

Getting an ultrasound scan in London

Imaging tests can be used to diagnose a wide range of different problems. Your doctor might want to perform a scan to investigate symptoms such as pain or swelling, to find out what is causing a lump, or to confirm a suspected diagnosis. Scans can also be used to assess how your condition is changing or to see how well the treatment is working.

Getting an ultrasound scan in London is very easy. The test is completely safe and you won’t be able to feel anything. You will need to remove any clothing covering the area to be scanned. You will then need to lie still while the test is conducted. The gel might feel a little bit cold as it is applied to your skin. You might also feel some pressure from the probe as it moves across your skin. However, the test won’t hurt at all.

Ultrasound Scan Types

Ultrasound scans can be used to investigate a variety of symptoms affecting many different parts of the body. The procedure is basically the same, but different kinds of probe and slightly different techniques may be used for some of these scans.

• Abdominal Scan: investigates abdominal organs such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas, as well as the abdominal aorta.
• Transvaginal Scan: used to check the female reproductive system and pelvic area, or to check on the foetus during early pregnancy.
• Carotid Doppler Scan: looks for signs of atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries and measures the blood flow to the brain.
• Arterial and Venous Leg Scan: checks for blood clots, changes in blood flow, and other problems with the blood vessels in the leg.
• Vascular Scan: looks for problems affecting the circulatory system.
• Thyroid Gland Scan: used to diagnose lumps or swellings in the thyroid gland.
• Testes Scan: investigates lumps or other symptoms affecting the testes.
• Pregnancy Scan: the most well-known form, used to check the health and development of the foetus.

Get your Ultrasound scan at our London based practice