Ultrasound

• General Ultrasound
• Obstetric (Pregnancy)
• Musculoskeletal
• Vascular (veins and arteries)
• Paediatric (children)
• Interventional (Ultrasound-Guided Procedures)

General Ultrasound

Abdominal Ultrasound

Upper abdominal scans encompass the liver, pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and aorta. If your doctor has requested a scan of these structures, you will be required to fast.

For adults, no food or liquid (other than sips of water) are permitted for 6 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.

Children are required to fast for 4 hours. An early morning appointment is recommended.

Renal Ultrasound

Renal ultrasound scans assess the kidneys, bladder and prostate (in men).

You will be required to fast for 4-6 hours prior to your appointment.

We recommend that you finish drinking 1 litre of water an hour prior to the exam.  Please do not empty your bladder after drinking the water.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound scans assess the uterus and ovaries in women.

We recommend that you finish drinking 750mls of water an hour prior to the exam.  Please do not empty your bladder after drinking the water.

Thyroid, Testicles, Breast and Small Part Ultrasounds

For these type of Ultrasound scans, no preparation is required.

Obstetric Ultrasound (Pregnancy)

 Obstetric Ultrasound

Qscan offers dating scans, Nuchal Translucency Screening Tests, Morphology and Third Trimester scans. For full details on preperation requirements and scan information, please download the Patient Information Flyer PDF on this page.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Qscan Radiology specialises in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. This type of imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints throughout the body. It is used to help diagnose sprains, strains, tears and other soft tissue conditions. This is a safe, noninvasive and does not use ionizing radiation.

Vascular Ultrasound

Vascular Ultrasound

This type of imaging is a noninvasive ultrasound method (also called a duplex study) used to examine the circulation in the blood vessels of the body. Vascular Ultrasound can be used to evaluate arteries or veins in nearly any part of the body, including blood vessels in the neck, abdomen, arms and legs.

Certain Vascular Ultrasounds require specific preparation. These details will be provided to you at the time of booking.

Paediatric Ultrasound (Children)

Paediatric Ultrasound

Qscan offers a range of Paediatric Ultrasounds including: Abdominal, Paediatric Spine, Paediatric Hip and Paediatric Head.

Interventional  (Ultrasound-Guided Procedures)

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology (abbreviated to IR or VIR for Vascular and Interventional Radiology) is a medical subspecialty of radiology that uses minimally invasive image guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system including, but not limited to vascular, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, genitourinary, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and the central nervous system.

The concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques available to minimise risk, improve health outcomes and overall recovery time. Interventional radiology utilises the latest
technology in diagnostic imaging. The procedures can be performed using CT scan or ultrasound. The type of intervention requested will determine whether you are having a CT scan, ultrasound or fluoroscopy guided procedure.

All ultrasound patients are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to their appointment time with their doctors referral/request form.

An Ultrasound is a medical exam. It is therefore requested that all children under the age of 6 be supervised by another adult, other than the patient. To ensure the accuracy of the examination, children may not always be permitted in the room during the scan. For further information on this, please visit the following link by kidspot.com.au ‘It’s an ultrasound, not a party!’

All ultrasound images can be received on your mobile phone via the Qscan MyResults app and selected images are also able to be forwarded to friends and family.

Please speak to one our friendly staff if you would like to be set up with Qscan MyResults app.

An ultrasound scan is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to generate images of internal body structures.

Ultrasound has a wide range of applications. It is commonly used for obstetric imaging; small parts imaging, including the breast, neck and testes; abdominal and pelvic imaging; as well as musculoskeletal and vascular imaging.

UItrasound provides detailed, real time information without the use of radiation. The ability to see a moving image also makes ultrasound an excellent tool for guiding procedures such as needle biopsies and injections.

Images are generated with the use of a small hand held ultrasound transducer. High frequency sound waves, not audible to the human ear, are transmitted to the area of interest and the reflected signal is converted into an image. Qscan’s specialist Radiologists then review these images for diagnostic purposes.

Preparation for an ultrasound will vary depending on the type of examination requested. Many examinations do not require any preparation. For your specific appointment, your preparation requirements will be outlined to you at the time of booking with Qscan.

It is essential that your preparation needs are considered in conjunction with existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure.  If either of these conditions apply to you, or if you have any other concerns, please advise our Customer Service Team who will be able to provide you with personalised preparation information for your appointment.

You will need to bring your referral and any previous x-rays or scans with you to your appointment.

Your Qscan Sonographer will collect you from the reception area and escort you through to the ultrasound room. Depending on your scan, you may be required to change into a gown. You will then be positioned accordingly for your scan.

A water-based gel will be applied to the relevant area to ensure that the transducer has adequate contact with your skin. The Sonographer will then use the transducer to obtain different views and record a series of images. This process is generally pain-free, however some pressure may need to be applied to improve the image. Your Sonographer may request that you also assist in certain scans, for example – holding your breath, which allows for improved views of certain structures.

Your scan time will vary depending on the complexity of the requested examination. Most simple ultrasound scans take approximately 15-20 minutes, however more time is required for complex studies such as certain obstetric or vascular imaging.

When the scan is complete, it may be necessary for you to wait while our Radiologist reviews the obtained images. Occasionally further imaging may be required. Your Sonographer will advise you if this is the case.

Ultrasound uses sound waves only and does not use ionising radiation.

Ultrasound does not have any known risks, side effects or complications and is considered very safe.

The cost of the scan depends on a number of factors, including the type of scan that your doctor has requested and whether you have a Government issued concession card. Please advise our friendly Customer Service Team if you are a pension or health care card holder.

If your doctor has requested more than one ultrasound, it may be necessary for these to be booked on separate days due to Medicare or different preparation requirements.

Our Customer Service Team will be able to advise you of all costs involved with your ultrasound including any out of pocket cost (if relevant).

Images obtained from your scan are digitally recorded.  At Qscan, a subspecialty trained Radiologist interprets the images obtained and provides a report for your doctor within 24 hours.

Reports and images will be available electronically via the Qscan MyResults Patient Access app and web portal 7 days after your report has been processed.  If required, films are available for collection or delivery to your referring practitioner.  You will need an appointment with your doctor to discuss these results.