Author: rad40

When will I get my results?
Once the examination has been completed, the images will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will report the findings of the scan. If you have been referred by your GP, the results will be sent to the GP within 10 days. If you have been referred by a hospital consultant, you will receive your results at your next OPD appointment. Results will not be issued on the day of scan.

Location
The Ultrasound department is located in the Radiology Department, on the lower ground floor of the hospital. Please check in at the main x-ray reception desk on arrival.
Who do I contact if I am unable to attend?
Please contact 01-8092792 if you wish to reschedule your appointment
If you have any difficulties please contact the Radiology department at the number below
Radiology Department
Beaumont Hospital
Beaumont
Dublin 9.
Tel: (01) 8092792
Fax:(01) 8092576

Date Issued: August 2021
Review date: August 2023
Author(s): Radiography Management Team
Approved by: Imaging and Interventional Radiology Directorate Team

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Beaumont Hospital
Imaging and Interventional
Radiology Directorate
ABDOMEN AND PELVIS ULTRASOUND
Patient Information

Welcome to the
Ultrasound Department

What is Ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to view internal organs and produce images of the human body.
Ultrasound scans can help diagnose problems in many parts of your body. An abdomen ultrasound scan focuses on the Gall Bladder, Liver, Kidneys, Pancreas, Spleen & Aorta. An ultrasound of the pelvis looks at the uterus, ovaries and bladder in females. In males, a pelvic scan focuses on the prostate and the bladder.
As sound waves are used rather than radiation, the procedure is safe.

How do I prepare for my Abdomen and Pelvis Ultrasound scan?
Before having an abdomen and pelvis ultrasound scan:
fast for 6 hours before the scan of your abdomen and pelvis to lower the amount of air and gas in your stomach or bowel and enable your gallbladder to be better assessed.
Start drinking fluids one hour prior to your scan - it is necessary that your bladder be full to ‘bursting’. To achieve this the patient must drink at least one and a half pints of water ONLY to reach the feeling of ‘bursting’.
Can I bring a relative or friend?
Yes, someone may accompany you on the day of your scan. However, this person might not be permitted to stay with you during the scan.
What happens when I arrive?
On the day of your scan, you should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. After checking in at the main X-ray reception desk you will be directed to the Ultrasound waiting room, where you will take a seat.

A member of staff will call you from the waiting room for your scan as close to your appointment time as possible. As Beaumont is an acute hospital there may be occasions when other patients may need to be scanned urgently which could mean you experience a delay to your appointed time. Patients should be aware that there may be a number of lists running simultaneously, and therefore, you may not be called in order of arrival in the department.
What happens during the scan?
Ultrasound examinations are performed in a dimly lit room, to allow for images on the screen to be seen more clearly. A transducer is moved back and forth against the skin surface with the aid of a cold gel to obtain an image.
You may be asked to take deep breaths, or change position in order to obtain a clearer view of the body part or organ being scanned. The scan takes approximately 15-20 minutes, but may be longer for certain examinations.