Same day ultrasound appointments are available at select Qscan clinics. To check availability at your nearest clinic, visit our online bookings page. If your preferred time is not showing, contact us and our team will do their best to find a suitable appointment time at another Qscan clinic near you.
 

Yes, a valid referral from a GP, specialist, or allied health provider is required to book an ultrasound at Qscan. Referrals are accepted from any registered practitioner in Australia, and can even use a referral for another imaging provider.

Most ultrasound scans take between 15 and 30 minutes. Some specialised procedures may take a little longer.

After your examination, your report and images will be sent electronically to your referring practitioner. They will also be available electronically via the Qscan Patient Results app and web portal 7-14 days after your examination.

Yes. If you would prefer a female sonographer, especially for pelvic or pregnancy scans, please let us know when booking and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. Many patients choose to have a partner, friend or family member accompany them, especially for pregnancy scans or if they’re feeling anxious. 

We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan or bringing another adult with you to care for your child. Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.

Below are some of the most common ultrasound services available at Qscan.

Pregnancy (Obstetric) Ultrasound

Qscan provides a wide range of ultrasound services throughout each stage of pregnancy. We offer dating scans, 12-16 early anatomy and Nuchal Translucency scans, 20-week morphology scans and third trimester assessments. These scans are used to confirm gestational age, check fetal development, assess the placenta and amniotic fluid, and screen for potential complications. In many locations, 3D imaging and keepsake images may also be available. Our team provides a caring, supportive environment for expectant parents, with timely results shared with your referring doctor.

Vascular (Doppler) Ultrasound

Vascular ultrasound, also known as Doppler ultrasound, uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the body’s arteries and veins. It helps diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots, or blocked vessels. The scan is non-invasive, and in some cases (such as abdominal vessel imaging), you may be asked to fast for up to 6 hours beforehand. Our sonographers use colour and spectral doppler analysis to assess blood flow characteristics throughout the body, providing vital diagnostic information without the need for contrast dye or radiation.

Pelvic & Renal Ultrasound

A Pelvic ultrasound is commonly used to assess the reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, cervix, and adjacent spaces. While a renal ultrasound assesses the kidneys, bladder and prostate. This scan may be used to check for fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts or tumours, infertility, or if you are experiencing pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. To provide an optimal window to visualise these structures, you will be required to drink one litre of water and hold it prior to the scan to adequately fill the bladder. In some cases, a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound may be recommended for more detailed pelvic imaging, always with your consent and comfort in mind.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound

An MSK ultrasound is used to examine soft tissue structures such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. It is especially useful for assessing injuries in the shoulder, knee, wrist, ankle, and elbow. Qscan’s skilled sonographers can perform both static and functional imaging; meaning they can evaluate how structures move in real time, which is valuable for Musculoskeletal ultrasounds may also be used to guide procedures and interventions, allowing for precise delivery of medicines.

Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)

Echocardiography is a specialised ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of the heart. The most common type, transthoracic echocardiography, involves placing a transducer on the chest to assess the heart’s chambers, valves, wall motion, and blood flow. In some cases, stress echocardiograms or transoesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) may be requested by your cardiologist for more detailed views. Qscan performs bulk-billed echocardiograms at selected locations, with reports interpreted by experienced cardiac specialists.

Elastography (Liver Stiffness) Ultrasound

Elastography is an advanced ultrasound technique that measures the stiffness of liver tissue. It is particularly useful in patients with hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or other chronic liver conditions, helping assess the level of fibrosis or scarring without the need for biopsy. The scan uses shear wave technology to produce a quantitative, reliable stiffness score that can be tracked over time. Elastography is painless, non-invasive, and usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, offering valuable insight into liver health and disease progression.

Preparing correctly for your ultrasound scan helps ensure accurate and clear images. The instructions can vary depending on the type of ultrasound you're having, so it's important to follow the guidance provided at the time of your booking. If you're unsure, our friendly team is always available to help.

General preparation guidelines:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Remove any jewellery or accessories near the area being scanned.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
• Bring your referral, Medicare card, and any previous imaging or reports if available.

Pelvic or Renal Ultrasound

• A full bladder is required for these scans.
• We recommend you drink around 1 litre of water about an hour before your appointment and please do not empty your bladder before the examination.
• If you are using a tampon and you require a transvaginal ultrasound, you will need to remove it before the scan can commence. Transvaginal scans can be performed if you are menstruating.

Pregnancy Ultrasound

• In the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, a full bladder is often required. During the 90 minutes before your appointment, empty your bladder and drink one litre of water. Finish drinking 60 minutes before your exam. A full bladder is required to provide an adequate window to visualise your baby.
• In the third trimester of pregnancy, drink 500mL of water 60 minutes before your scan. A full bladder is required for adequate assessment of the cervix and surrounding structures.
• Specific instructions will be provided depending on the gestational stage and type of scan (e.g. dating, morphology or growth scan).

Vascular Ultrasound

• Certain vascular ultrasounds require specific preparation. These details will be provided to you at the time of booking.
• If your vascular scan involves imaging vessels in the abdomen, you will need to fast. This is essential, to reduce the content and gas build up in the bowel which may obstruct the vessels from being appropriately viewed.
• For arterial studies of the legs, you may also need to fast as the vessels of the abdomen are typically included to eliminate the possibility of impairment to blood flow supplying the leg.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound 

No preparation is usually needed,  if you have existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure, or if you have any other concerns, please contact us. Please wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined (e.g. short sleeves for shoulder scans or shorts for knee scans).

Echocardiography

Generally, no preparation is needed for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. 

Elastography

For elastography, a 6 hour fast is required.