Ultrasound is a diagnostic scan that uses high frequency sound waves to capture live images of the inside of your body.

About this service

We offer ultrasound scans for various body parts including bladder, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, ovaries, pancreas, spleen, thyroid, testicles, uterus, blood vessels and the musculoskeletal system.

Some biopsies and injections can also be performed under ultrasound guidance.

Ultrasounds are also provided as part of North Canberra Hospital’s Medical Imaging service.

Who we care for

Our ultrasound services are available for patients with a referral from their GP or medical practitioner.

We offer this service for free if you have a Medicare Card.

We service:

• Canberra Hospital Emergency Department
• inpatients (people who are admitted to hospital)
• outpatients:
  • people who are only visiting the hospital and have a referral from a doctor
  • people who have a referral from a doctor or specialist and who can use the Weston Creek Imaging Service because they have been assessed as suitable.

How to access this service

You will need a referral from a specialist or GP to have an ultrasound. You or your doctor can send us your referral by:

• Email: Medical.Imaging@act.gov.au
• Fax: (02) 5124 2494
• You can hand deliver your referral to the Medical Imaging reception.

We will contact you to book your scan once we have received your referral.

If you are an inpatient or a patient in the emergency department, your treating doctor will arrange for you to access this service.

The Ultrasound Department is open from 7:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you need to contact us, our phone number is (02) 5124 2159.

There is an on-call service provided outside these hours for urgent cases.

The out of hours ultrasound services is activated via the radiology registrar – via the hospital switch board.

If you are eligible to use the Weston Creek Imaging Service or you would like to be considered for this service, book via the Canberra Hospital Medical Imaging Department on the number above.

This service is located at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

What to expect

You will receive a letter to confirm your appointment time. This letter will also inform you of any preparation required for your ultrasound. Some preparations include fasting from food, or drinking water to fill your bladder.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to provide your Medicare card and then will be directed to wait in the ultrasound waiting area.

We prioritise life-threatening emergencies. This can increase wait times if you are waiting for a less urgent scan.

Your ultrasound will be performed by a sonographer. When it’s time for your ultrasound, the sonographer will take you into one of our scanning rooms. They will ask you your name, date of birth and address. This is to ensure we have correctly identified you.

You may be asked to change out of your clothes and into a hospital gown. The sonographer will then ask you to lie down on a hospital table and expose the section of your body that will be scanned.

The sonographer will apply a water-based gel to allow the transmission of sound waves and prevent friction as they rub the ultrasound probe over your skin.

Depending on the area being examined you may need to change positions, empty your bladder or hold your breath so the sonographer can gain better access and obtain the best possible images.

Depending on the type of examination being carried out the ultrasound may take between 15 to 45 minutes. At the end of the scan the sonographer will give you a towel to wipe off the gel and you will be able to get dressed and leave.

If you have been referred by the Emergency Department then you will need to return there for your results and follow up care.

Your ultrasound will be reported by a radiologist and the report sent to your referring doctor.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Any letters or correspondence from your GP
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Veterans Affairs card (if you have one)
• Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book)
• Book, iPad, activity in case of delay

Where we’re located

Canberra Hospital

Medical Imaging, Building 12, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.

From the main entrance, head to Building 1, go past the lifts and follow the Blue Line on the floor to the Medical Imaging Reception.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Weston Creek

The Weston Creek Imaging Service is located at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

You can check in for your medical imaging appointment at the reception desk. You will see this when you enter the building.

We have directions to Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

Resources

For more information about your procedure visit Inside Radiology.