Ultrasound

Ultrasound scanning is quick, non-invasive and relatively cheap compared with other imaging techniques. It uses high frequency sound waves to form an image but these waves cannot pass through bone and are reflected by gas. As such, ultrasound lends itself best to scanning soft tissues in the body, particularly in the neck, abdomen and pelvis.

Radiologists expert in bones & joint imaging also use ultrasound to assess many joints in the body. Interventional Radiologists performing diagnostic procedures or treatment might use ultrasound as a technique to guide a needle very precisely and accurately to its intended target. Ultrasound is a safe method of imaging that does not involve any radiation exposure, hence its wide use in pregnancy.

Specific forms of ultrasound such as Doppler or duplex ultrasound are used to assess arteries and veins. This technique can give the Radiologist a map of any vessels which may be dilated, narrowed or blocked. This can be very helpful in advance of minimally invasive Interventional Radiology treatments such as angioplasty and stenting.

Ultrasound can be used as a screening examination for conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and is also the examination of choice for testicular or scrotal swellings. Please see the relevant sections of this site for further information.

We can offer ultrasound scanning at both Nuffield Leamington and BMI The Meriden Hospitals. If you need an abdominal or pelvic scan you will be given careful instructions depending on what is required. For example, you may be asked to fast for a few hours or to fill your bladder.