Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves from a probe (transducer) to look at organs and structures inside the body. Jelly is spread over the skin area of the body being examined. The transducer detects the reflected sound waves to generate detailed images that are captured in real time displayed on a computer monitor. ​

The abdominal ultrasound helps in producing images of the organs in the abdomen, including, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. The ultrasound also helps in examining the blood vessels that lead to and from these organs. ​

Preparations for the test:

  • You will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before you arrive for the test. Please ask your doctor about drinking water during your fasting period.

  • You may be asked to eat a fat-free meal before beginning your fasting period.

  • Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.​​
A pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound helps doctors in the examination of the female organs in the pelvis including the cervix, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Preparations for the test:

  • Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
  • Depending on the reason for the ultrasound, you may either be asked to empty your bladder, or drink ample amount of water to make it partially full before the exam.​

An obstetric ultrasound helps doctors to see how the embryo or foetus is developing in a pregnant woman. It also shows images of the ovaries and uterus. Several obstetric ultrasounds may be advised during the course of the pregnancy.

Preparations for the test:

  • Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
  • You will be asked to come in with a full bladder. This can be achieved by emptying your bladder two hours before the exam and then drinking 3 glasses (600 ml) of water and not allowing yourself to urinate until after the ultrasound.​

The prostate ultrasound is used to examine a man’s prostate gland and the surrounding tissues. It is used in determining whether the prostate is enlarged and also used in the diagnosis of cancer. The test involves insertion of an ultrasound transducer in the rectum to help produce accurate images.

Preparations for the test:

  • Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
  • You will be asked to stop taking medications including blood thinners, such as aspirin 7 to 10 days before the test. 
  • You will be directed to take enema 2 to 4 hours before the procedure to allow for the insertion of the transducer.​​