Ultrasound
Ultrasound scans use high frequency sound waves to image the inside of your body, projecting the pictures onto a screen. Ultrasound does not use radiation and is painless.
Ultrasound Services
Harbour Radiology provides an extensive range of high quality ultrasound imaging including the following examinations:
- Abdomen Ultrasound
- Pelvis
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Obstetrics and Nuchal Translucency
- Thyroid Ultrasound
- Breast
- Chest Ultrasound
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Testicular
- Plantar Fascia Ultrasound
- Olecranon Bursitis Ultrasound
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Ultrasound
- Ultrasound guided injections and biopsies
Please bring your request form from your referring practitioner to your appointment.
Please remember to bring all previous imaging reports with you to your appointment.
Ultrasound Imaging: Common Uses and Diagnostic Procedure
Ultrasound imaging uses high frequency waves of sound to characterise tissues. It is commonly associated with pregnancy imaging as it is the standard method of evaluating a baby during their development.
Ultrasound can be used for almost all human soft tissues with particular use for tendons, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels/arteries and masses. It can be used to evaluate painful conditions such as bursitis, muscle tears, ligament tears and is often used to evaluate or diagnose DVT (deep vein thrombosis) which is a potentially life threatening condition if untreated. Our clinics all offer DVT Ultrasounds, with same day availability across our locations.
Most Ultrasounds take between 20-30 minutes to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Ultrasound take?
Ultrasound appointment length vary depending on the body part(s) being imaged. It can vary from 20 minutes for extremities such as hands, to 60 minutes for obstetric scanning. Please ask our reception team to provide you with an accurate appointment length when booking.
Does Ultrasound have any radiation risks?
Ultrasound does not use any ionising radiation. It is completely safe from radiation and uses sound waves.
How much does Ultrasound cost?
We bulk-bill most Ultrasounds. With some exceptions such as Obstetric scans (please refer to our Obstetrics page). However, Medicare will not cover some Ultrasounds on the same day, we recommend calling our reception team to assist in booking and to confirm if your scan can be bulk-billed.
How to prepare for an Ultrasound
Preparations for ultrasound scans vary depending on the procedure. Our friendly reception staff will inform you of any preparation requirements at the time of booking.
Pelvic, Renal and Obstetric scans: These scans require you to have a full bladder. You will be required to drink 1.0 litre of water starting 90 minutes prior to your appointment and completing 60 minutes prior to your appointment, and do not use the bathroom.
Abdominal, Renal Arteries and Aorta arteries Ultrasound: Fasting 6 hours prior to your appointment (nothing to eat or drink).
Breast, Thyroid, Testes and Musculoskeletal (muscle, bone, joint related): No preparation is required.