This leaflet explains more about having an ultrasound scan, including the benefits, risks and any alternatives. It also provides information on what you can expect when you come to hospital. If you have any further questions, please speak to a health care professional caring for you.
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the area of examination. A small handheld probe is placed onto your skin, and moved over the part of the body being examined. Lubricating gel is put onto your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly. This is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the organs and soft tissues of the body. The ultrasound is carried out by a radiologist and in some cases a sonographer, both are trained professionals in this type of scan.
An ultrasound scan can give information that leads to, or helps make a diagnosis about your medical condition. An ultrasound can also be used to monitor an existing condition. It will be your doctor or other health professional who decides that you might benefit from having an ultrasound scan.
Ultrasound is a very safe procedure for all patients undergoing a diagnostic test. The operator will scan for as long as is necessary to provide the required information within all technical limits. This type of scan will not have any side effects.
Depending on your signs and symptoms, there may be alternative tests available including a CT scan or an MRI scan. If there is a more suitable examination the department will contact your referring professional to inform them.
If any preparation is required, this information will be provided at the time of booking your appointment or in your appointment letter. This may include a brief period of fasting, drinking some water or having a full bladder. Any medication can still be taken with water prior to your scan.
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The radiologist will ask you if you are happy for the scan to go ahead. This is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the radiologist.
It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time. Please bear in mind that not having the scan may delay your diagnosis. If you wish to have a chaperone present during your scan, please alert a health care professional before the scan begins. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to be present throughout the scan if you wish. Students/trainees may be present during the examination but only with your verbal consent.
Please remember that you can ask the radiologist any questions you have at any time before, during or after your scan.
You will be asked to remove your clothes covering the area for examination and to lie on the examination couch. Here, you will have water based clear gel applied to the skin in the area of examination. The radiologist will slowly move the probe over the area while viewing the images produced on the monitor. The lights in the room will be dimmed so that the pictures on the screen can be seen more clearly and records of selected images will be made so that they can be viewed later.
Once the examination is over, the gel will be wiped off and you will be free to dress.
You cannot feel ultrasound, however, it is important for the radiologist or sonographer to examine you in the correct position and to gently press down on the probe to get a good view. For some people this may be uncomfortable. If you do feel uncomfortable please inform the radiologist or sonographer, so that suitable adjustments can be made.
This depends on which part of your body is being scanned and the information your referrer needs. Scans can take between 10-45 minutes. You should allow at least one hour in the ultrasound department. We try to avoid delays, however, please allow extra time in case of delays on the day of your appointment.
The results will be sent to the doctor or other professional who referred you for the scan. The radiologist or sonographer will tell you how to get your results and how long it will take, as this may be different for each patient. You may already have an appointment with the doctor or clinic that referred you. If not please contact your referrer to arrange a time to talk about the results and any treatment you may need.
If you are staying in hospital, the results will be given to the doctors looking after you on the ward.
For advice, support or to raise a concern, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). To make a complaint, contact the complaints department.
Telephone: 020 8909 5439 (PALS)
Email: rnoh.
Telephone: 020 8909 5717 / 5439 / 5741 (Complaints)
Email: rnoh.
NHS 111 offers medical help and advice from fully trained advisers supported by experienced nurses and paramedics. Available over the phone 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 111
If you have any questions or concerns about coming for your ultrasound scan, please contact the x-ray reception on 020 8909 5460 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Page last updated: 17 February 2025