Ultrasound Scan

Overview

An ultrasound scan is a safe, painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. A small handheld device called a transducer is moved over your skin, and the sound waves bounce off your organs to form a picture on a screen. It is often used to look at the abdomen (tummy), pelvis, blood vessels, heart, and to check on a developing baby during pregnancy.

Yes. Ultrasound scans are one of the most common diagnostic tests. Many people will have at least one ultrasound during their lifetime, often during pregnancy or to investigate pain or swelling.

Anyone may be referred for an ultrasound scan. It is used for people of all ages, from babies to older adults, depending on the symptoms or health concern.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A lump, bump, or swelling near the surface of the skin
• Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, or a joint
• Unusual bleeding or discharge (for example, from the womb)
• Problems with the bladder or kidneys, such as pain when passing urine
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• A possible hernia or fluid collection

Symptoms in children

• Abdominal pain or a swollen tummy
• A lump that can be felt or seen under the skin
• Vomiting or reflux that may need checking
• Concerns about growth or development before birth (during pregnancy)

Symptoms in older adults

• Abdominal or pelvic discomfort
• Changes in bladder or bowel habits
• Lumps or swellings that need investigation
• Leg pain or swelling that could be a blood clot (the scan checks blood flow)

Causes

Main causes

• To investigate a symptom or an abnormal result on another test
• To check the health of an unborn baby during pregnancy
• To look at organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, or pancreas
• To examine blood vessels and blood flow (Doppler ultrasound)
• To guide a needle during a biopsy or other procedure (for example, taking a tissue sample)

Risk factors

• You are pregnant and need routine checks
• You have a family history of conditions that affect the abdomen or blood vessels
• You have persistent pain or swelling that your doctor wants to investigate
• You have had a previous scan that found something needing further checks

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number if you have sudden severe pain or difficulty breathing.
• If you have a very high fever with shaking chills, get urgent same-day care.
• Go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department if you are vomiting blood or have abdominal rigidity.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment with your GP if you have a new lump, persistent pain, or ongoing bleeding.
• Ask your GP for an ultrasound if you have been having unbearable heartburn that does not settle, or any symptom that worries you.
• Follow up if a previous scan result needs discussion.

Diagnosis

An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic test. It does not diagnose everything, but it provides clear images of soft tissues that help your doctor understand what might be causing your symptoms. The person performing the scan (a sonographer or doctor) may share some findings with you, but the full report is usually sent to your referring doctor.

Tests that may be done

• You may be asked to fast (not eat) for 4–6 hours before an abdominal scan.
• For a pelvic scan, you may need a full bladder, so you might be asked to drink water and not go to the toilet beforehand.
• The scan itself involves lying down and exposing the area being examined. Gel is applied to your skin, and a small smooth probe is pressed gently against your body.

What to expect at your appointment

The procedure usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. You will lie on a couch, and the sonographer will move the probe over the skin. You may feel mild pressure, but it should not hurt. After the scan, the gel is wiped off and you can get dressed and go back to your normal activities. Results are usually discussed with you by your doctor in a follow-up appointment.

Treatment

An ultrasound scan is not a treatment. It is a test to gather information. Treatment, if any, will depend on what the scan finds. Your healthcare team will explain the results and discuss the next steps with you.

Self-care at home

• Follow any preparation instructions given before the scan, such as fasting or drinking water.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned.
• After the scan, you can usually eat and drink normally unless your doctor says otherwise.

Medical treatments

If the scan shows a condition that needs treatment, your doctor will recommend a plan. This might include lifestyle changes, medicines (prescribed by your doctor), physiotherapy, or minor procedures. Medication is never started without a proper prescription and discussion about your individual health.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for the scan itself. If the scan reveals a problem that requires surgery, for example a growth or a hernia, your surgical team will explain the procedure, its benefits, and any risks before you decide.

Living with this condition

A single ultrasound scan does not affect your daily life. You can go back to work, drive, and do normal activities immediately afterwards. If the scan is part of monitoring a long-term condition, you may have regular scans to track changes.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not use ultrasound scans to replace regular check-ups with your doctor.
• Keep the scan appointment in your calendar and plan around it, including any fasting or bladder preparation.
• If you feel anxious, ask your doctor to explain what will happen and why.

Diet and exercise

There are no diet or exercise restrictions after an ultrasound. For an abdominal scan, you may be told to avoid eating for a few hours beforehand, but that is only temporary. Afterwards, you can return to your normal routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Waiting for scan results can bring worry or anxiety. It is normal to feel this way. Speak to your doctor about your concerns, and if you feel overwhelming distress, reach out to a mental health professional. For urgent mental health crises, call your local emergency number.

Prevention

An ultrasound scan is a medical test, so it does not prevent health problems. But by helping doctors find conditions early, it allows earlier treatment, which can often prevent complications.

Screening programmes

Ultrasound is used as a screening test during pregnancy to check the baby's growth and development. It is also used in some health programmes to screen for conditions like abdominal aortic aneurysm in older men who are eligible.

Complications

If left untreated

• The scan itself has no complications. In rare cases, some pressure may cause mild discomfort, but it settles quickly.
• If a condition is found on the scan and is not followed up, it could progress or cause further symptoms.
• Infection can spread if the same equipment is used without cleaning, but clinics follow strict hygiene standards.

Long-term outlook

Ultrasound is a safe, reliable and well-tolerated test. It gives doctors valuable information without exposing you to radiation. For most people, the scan goes smoothly and the results lead to reassurance or clear next steps. If a condition is found, early management offers the best chance of a good outcome.

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