Ultrasound

We perform ultrasound examinations at Southampton General Hospital, the Princess Anne Hospital and the Royal South Hants.

What is an ultrasound? 

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to takes images of parts of your body. As it is simple and safe, it is often one of our first lines of investigation. You can find out more about ultrasound on the NHS website, including how to prepare for and what happens during a scan.

Before your scan

Your preparation depends on the scan you are having. We will let you know if you need to avoid eating and drinking, or attend with a full bladder, before you come in.

If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, then you may not be seen, and your appointment rescheduled. Ultrasounds vary from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the type of scan. Delays do happen if there are emergencies, so please be patient.

Please attend alone where possible however, one adult can come with you for your scan.

If you need to get in touch with us, please use the phone number on your appointment letter.

When will I get my results?

After your scan, the radiologist, sonographer, or healthcare vascular scientist will examine the images further, then prepare a report. This will be sent to the clinician who referred you. If this was your GP, you can expect the report to be available at your surgery within 10 to 14 days.

If you were referred by a consultant at the hospital, they will usually arrange for you to attend an outpatient appointment at their clinic to discuss the results.