What is an Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound is a soundwave which travels at a higher frequency than we can hear. Ultrasound machines form pictures by listening to how these sound waves interact with the different surfaces (tissues) within the human body. These ultrasound waves are sent into the body by moving a transducer over the surface of the skin. The closer the transducer can get to the organ being examined the clearer the picture will be. Conditions such as obesity can reduce the quality of the image as the sound waves have to travel further through overlying fatty tissue to reach the organs.
The pictures produced are interpreted by a practitioner (usually a sonographer or radiologist) who is highly trained in this speciality. Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions.
Due to ongoing Covid restrictions and, as this is a medical procedure where high levels of concentration are required, you will unfortunately not be able to have a relative accompany you into the scan room unless there are exceptional circumstances which have been agreed in advance with the department.
Pelvic ultrasound scans can monitor changes in the uterus (womb) and the ovaries. There are two ways of performing a pelvic scan:
Transabdominal Ultrasound Scan (TAS)
For this type of scan you will be asked to drink water to fill your bladder. This is because the sound waves travel more quickly through fluid (urine) resulting in a clearer picture. The ultrasound probe is placed on the skin in the lower part of your tummy. Your kidneys may also be routinely examined as part of the procedure. This type of scan may be enough to gain all the information required, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. However often a transvaginal scan will be offered in addition to a transabdominal scan if we need to gain more detailed information.
Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan (TVUS)
For this type of scan you will be asked to empty your bladder. You will be asked to remove your underwear for the examination and you will be covered by a sheet to maintain dignity and privacy. A special slim probe is placed into the vagina, it is a similar size to a tampon. The vaginal probe is cleaned before use, covered with a protective sheath, and lubricated with sterile jelly to make its insertion into the vagina easier and more comfortable. The probe is inserted very gently into the vagina. It is usually a painless procedure and will feel very similar to having an internal examination (but no speculum is used).
This examination can be performed at any time of life – in pregnancy, during menstruation (period) or after the menopause. Under new national guidance it can even be performed in people who are not sexually active providing they are 16 years of age or older and consent to the procedure being undertaken Transvaginal_Ultrasound_Guidance_Final_With_Front_Cover_MesUP8a.pdf (bmus.org).
If you have any questions about the procedure, please discuss this with the staff performing the examination or contact the booking team on Tel: 01946 523355 West Cumberland or Workington Community Hospital appointments or Tel: 01228 814587 Cumberland Infirmary and Penrith Community Hospital appointments who will arrange for a member of the clinical team to contact you prior to your appointment.
Please note the Sonographer or Radiologist undertaking the scan may be a different gender to yourself. If you have a preference for somebody of a particular gender to undertake your examination please contact the department in advance of your appointment and we will do our best to accommodate your request. However, please note this may result in a need for your appointment to be rescheduled.
Giving my consent
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The sonographer/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 sonographer/radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time.
Students/trainees may be present during the examination. Please alert a healthcare professional before the scan begins if you do not wish them to be present. However, a trained chaperone may be present for the examination to support your wellbeing and assist the sonographer/radiologist. Please remember that you can ask the sonographer/radiologist any questions you have at any time before, during or after your scan. If you would like more information about our consent process, please speak to a member of staff caring for you.
Are there any risks?
The procedure is considered to be very safe. Please inform the staff prior to the procedure if you have a latex allergy. You cannot feel ultrasound waves, however, it is important for the sonographer/radiologist 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 minimally uncomfortable. If you do feel discomfort please inform the sonographer/radiologist, so that suitable adjustments can be made or the examination can be ceased.
What happens after the scan?
If you are having the ultrasound scan as an outpatient you will be able to return home immediately, providing that no other tests are required. You may eat, drink and resume normal activities including sexual intercourse as soon as you wish. The results will be sent to your GP/referring doctor within a few days. At your next GP/outpatient appointment, you will be able to discuss the results and any subsequent treatment which may be necessary.
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302