Pelvic and Kidney Ultrasound Scan

Below, please find the instructions for your upcoming ultrasound scan of the pelvic and kidneys.

Preparation 

You must attend with a full bladder. It is advisable to drink about 1½ to 2 pints of clear fluid an hour prior to the appointment.  You may drink water or other non-fizzy drinks, black tea or coffee, or fruit juice. When your bladder is correctly filled you will feel the need to urinate. If it becomes painful, it is too full, and you may partially empty if you can. 

Arriving for your appointment

Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your actual appointment time as you may not be seen if you are late, resulting in you forfeiting your payment as per our payment and refund policy. CHILDREN ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE EXAM ROOM.

The examination

In the examination room, you will be asked to lie on a couch. The sonographer performing the scan will ask you to expose your lower abdomen. Gel will be applied over your abdomen, and it may feel cold. The sonographer will move gently an ultrasound probe over your upper and lower abdomen to obtain images your kidneys, bladder, and pelvic structures.  Unless the area being examined is tender, the examination is not painful.   

For better visualisation of your uterus and ovaries, a transvaginal scan will be performed with your consent.  This can still be done even during your period.  After the transabdominal scan, you will be asked to empty your bladder and return to the ultrasound examination room. 

You will be asked to take off your pants and to lie down on a couch on top of a wedge cushion.  The sonographer will always ensure your lower body will be covered with a sheet to ensure your dignity.  A chaperone will always be available in the scan room. 

An ultrasound probe will be covered with a disposable latex or non-latex sheath and lubricated with gel. (Please let the sonographer know if you are allergic to latex). The probe will then be placed into the vagina to obtain images of the pelvic area, particularly the ovaries and uterus.  The exam maybe uncomfortable but not painful. 

We do not perform transvaginal examinations on children or to persons who have never been sexually active. If you do not wish to have an internal examination performed, you can discuss this with the sonographer when you come for your scan.   Your decision/choice will be respected. However, there will be limitation to the quality of images obtained without performing a transvaginal examination. Both examinations may take up to 20 minutes, depending on individual circumstances

After the examination

The report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan on the same day. If you referred yourself, the report will be issued immediately following the examination.  If we refer you straight to outpatients, you will be able to take your report with you.

 

Produced       : July 22

 Review Date: July 23

Version          : 1.0