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Ultrasound

We provide Ultrasound scans Monday - Friday from 8:15am - 4pm.

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is safe and painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient.

Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system provide pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body.

What does the procedure involve?

For certain ultrasound examinations of the musculoskeletal system, the patient may be seated on an examination table or a swivel chair. For other ultrasound exams, the patient is positioned lying face-up or face-down on an examination table. The radiologist or sonographer may ask you to move the extremity being examined or may move it for you to evaluate the anatomy and function of the joint, muscle, ligament or tendon.

After you are positioned on the examination table, the radiologist or sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the area of the body being studied. The gel will help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The transducer is placed on the body and moved back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.

There is usually no discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined. However, if scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer.

Once the imaging is complete, the clear ultrasound gel will be wiped off your skin. Any portions that are not wiped off will dry to a powder. The ultrasound gel does not stain or discolour clothing

What scans are you unable to provide?

We are unable to provide mammograms, Dexa scans and CT scans.

We do not provide diagnostic scans to people under the age of 18.

Please also be aware that we do not offer an immediate reporting service for querying fractures; please refer to your local minor injuries or A&E department.

How long will it take to get the results of my Ultrasound?

Our radiologist will need to examine and report on your Ultrasound and your results will be available within a few days.

Any reports will go back via email or post directly to your GP.

We can share results with another hospital or clinic via the Image Exchange Portal (IEP), if you would like us to do this please email: xray@hmtsanctamaria.org

How do I book an ultrasound?

To book an Ultrasound scan we will first need a referral letter from a GP or consultant. Ultrasound referrals can also be sent directly to xray@hmtsanctamaria.org. Once we have your referral letter we will contact you to make an appointment.

What is the cost of an Ultrasound?

An Ultrasound scan will cost £400.

An ultrasound scan with a guided injection will cost from £425- £611.20, depending on the drug to be administered, that has been requested by the referring clinician.

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This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
To book an appointment with a consultant you can either call us, email us, or book online if you are self-paying for your treatment.
Currently, not all Consultants are available for Self-Pay Online Booking. Please contact us directly if you do not see the consultant/service you are looking for and would like to make a booking.

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Cancellation Policy

If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. With sufficient notice, you will have the option to reschedule your appointment.

If your appointment is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice or you do not attend, the appointment will be forfeited, and you will lose the cancellation fee paid at the time of booking.

In the rare event that HMT needs to cancel your appointment, we will arrange a new appointment for you.

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