South East Ultrasound is committed to providing a professional, relaxed and informative service to all of our clients.
We work hard to ensure that your experience with us from booking your appointment through to the end of your visit meets your expectations.
To help us do this there will be a Patient Satisfaction Feedback Questionnaire available for you to complete after your appointment. All questionnaires will be treated in strictest confidence and can be completely anonymous if you choose. We will be able to identify any issues which may be experienced and take action to rectify without delay. Equally, we would love to hear from you if you feel the service we've provided you was of a high standard.
For private patients and any pregnancy scanning please visit theultrasoundcentre.co.uk
Patient Consent
As part of a shared service agreement with other NHS organisations, your ultrasound images and records may be shared as part of determining and providing your care. If you would like to know more about the extent of this sharing, or you wish us not to share at all with another NHS organisation, or have any other concerns about it, please contact us.
What is an ultrasound?
What is an ultrasound? An ultrasound examination is simple, safe and painless and does not use X-Rays. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves above the limits of human hearing. These waves pass through the body and provide information about internal organs and structures when they are displayed onto a TV monitor. Our aim is to help you by completing your examination successfully, we can do this if you carefully follow any instructions, on this letter. Failure to do so may result in an inadequate examination.
The examination
The examination is carried out by a Sonographer/Radiologist - a specialist in ultrasound. You will be asked to lie down on an examination couch and some gel will be placed onto the part of the body to be examined. A small plastic probe is then moved gently across the skin to obtain the image. Sometimes you may be asked to hold your breath or roll onto your side. Should you require a Chaperone for your examination please ring 01843 808182.
The preparation
Please see different preparation types below and follow the directions outlined in your message
6 HOUR FASTING
Please have nothing to eat for six hours before your appointment-you may drink clear fluids such as: water, squash, black tea or black coffee. Please take medication as normal. If you are a diabetic or have any concerns regarding medication, please telephone for further instructions. Please refrain from smoking, vaping or chewing gum for the six hours before your examination.
FULL BLADDER
A full bladder is necessary for the scan to be successful. Please drink 2 PINTS of water or squash finishing one hour before your appointment and DO NOT empty your bladder before the examination. Your scan may be unsuccessful if you fail to attend with a full bladder.
TRANSVAGINAL SCAN
You will also be offered an internal ultrasound examination by the sonographer to obtain optimal images. You will be requested to empty your bladder before an ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the vagina. It can still be performed during your menstrual cycle. This procedure does not usually cause pain or discomfort. Please feel free to let the sonographer know if you wish to decline this examination.
Please wear loose fitting clothes.
Afterwards
There are no after effects and you may resume normal activities after the examination. The report will be returned to your GP surgery. You will not be given results on the day of scan but are requested to contact your GP 7-10 days after your examination to obtain your results.