Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is used to examine organs and blood flow in almost every area of the body on both males and females. It uses high frequency sound waves, which you can’t hear, to get images from inside your body. A probe, called a transducer, is used to send sound waves (tiny beats of sound about one millionth of a second long) through you. When the sound wave hits tissue or bone, part of the sound bounces back to the transducer. A machine forms these signals into a “picture” and your organs will be seen on a TV monitor.

What Can I Expect During the Exam?

Ultrasound scans are performed by a sonographer. The sonographer guides a probe over the area of your body that will be examined. To make the exam easier, “gel” is put on your skin. The gel is water based and will not cause an allergic reaction or stain your clothes. The exam is painless. Ultrasound does not use radiation and there are no identifiable side effects.

Sometimes, depending on the test, you may also have an internal exam. The sonographer will explain if this is needed. You may feel uncomfortable if you need to have a full bladder, or if you have an internal exam. Let the person doing your test know if you are uncomfortable.

The images produced are examined by a sonologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnostic ultrasound). The sonologist will write a diagnostic report and send it to your doctor. Your doctor will then provide you with this information.

Please note that your family will be asked to wait in the waiting room. If time allows, your family may be called in at the end of the exam. Personal photographic or recording devices are not permitted in the scan rooms.

Please consult the documents below for important information on your test or procedure.

Tests and procedures

For more information on your exam (brief description, patient preparation, length), please read thru this list of tests and procedures.

Your doctor may also give you information and preparation instructions for you to follow.

Location

Main Hospital, 2nd Floor, O Block
Report to CT Scan / Ultrasound / X-Ray reception desk. For easier access, use the Hospital’s South Entrance.

Appointment Hours and Contact Information

Appointments available:

Monday and Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Telephone: 204-237-2531 | Fax: 204-231-0355

Note: Patients checking in for a Fetal Assessment appointment are asked to report to Patient Registration / Admitting, not to the Ultrasound department. Patient Registration / Admitting is located on the main floor of the main hospital, in room D1004 (D Block).

For Copies of Ultrasound Pictures

For copies of your ultrasound images, please ask for a request form at the Registration Desk when you come in for you appointment. If you have already had your ultrasound and would like copies of your images, please call the Ultrasound Department at 204-235-3388.

There is a $50 fee plus GST. Pictures are available only in CD format. There are no refunds.