Ultrasound preparation guides
Clear, patient-friendly guides for 10 common ultrasound scans. Find your scan type below.
Abdominal ultrasound preparation
Abdomen
Assessment of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys using sound waves.
Duration
20-30 min
Preparation
Fast 4-6 hours
Pelvic ultrasound preparation
Pelvic
Examination of the uterus, ovaries, bladder and surrounding pelvic structures.
Duration
15-30 min
Preparation
Full bladder
Transvaginal ultrasound explained
Pelvic
Internal ultrasound providing detailed images of the uterus, ovaries and pelvic structures.
Duration
15-25 min
Preparation
Empty bladder
Kidney and urinary tract ultrasound preparation
Kidney/Urinary
Assessment of the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract.
Duration
20-30 min
Preparation
Full bladder
Pregnancy ultrasound explained
Pregnancy
Fetal development, growth, placenta and wellbeing assessment.
Duration
20-45 min
Preparation
Varies by trimester
Testicular ultrasound explained
Men's Health
Assessment of testicular lumps, pain, swelling or other symptoms.
Duration
15-25 min
Preparation
No preparation
DVT / leg vein ultrasound explained
Vascular
Assessment for deep vein thrombosis in the leg veins.
Duration
20-30 min
Preparation
No preparation
Soft tissue / lump ultrasound explained
Soft Tissue
Assessment of lumps, bumps, swellings and superficial structures.
Duration
15-30 min
Preparation
No preparation
MSK ultrasound explained
MSK
Assessment of muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints.
Duration
15-30 min
Preparation
No preparation
Vascular ultrasound explained
Vascular
Assessment of arteries and veins including carotid, aortic and peripheral vessels.
Duration
30-60 min
Preparation
Varies