Our Services
Medical Imaging & Screening Centre
Ultrasound Services
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body.
Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). 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.Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. It is also a useful tool in the management of musculo-skeletal pain.
Our state of the art Medical Imaging Centre on the Lisburn Road, Belfast is the setting for our General diagnostic ultrasound service. We routinely perform the most common examinations including general abdominal/pelvic, musculo skeletal, thyroid, colour Doppler scanning, breast imaging and peripheral vascular regions such as leg and carotid arteries.The majority of our scanning is carried out on site privately by Consultant Radiologists from the local NHS trusts with results issued to the referral source within 48hrs of the scan.
How should I prepare?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined and you may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
Please inform us if you have had a barium enema or a series of upper GI (gastrointestinal) tests within the past two days. Barium that remains in the intestines can interfere with the ultrasound test. You may be required to fast or attend with a full bladder, however specific preparation details will be provided prior to your appointment.
What does the equipment look like?
Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body and blood vessels. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. The transducer sends out high frequency sound waves into the body and then listens for the returning echoes from the tissues in the body. The principles are similar to sonar used by boats and submarines.
The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The image is created based on the amplitude (strength), frequency and time it takes for the sound signal to return from the patient to the transducer.
What happens during the procedure?
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. You are positioned on an examination table, the radiologist or sonographer will apply some warm gel on your skin and then place the transducer firmly against your body, moving it 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.
If a Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you may actually hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured.Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.
Consultants: (click name to view bio)
- Dr G Crothers
Dr G Crothers
- Dr M Buckley
Dr M Buckley
- Dr Scott Gillespie
Dr Scott Gillespie
- Dr L Johnston
Dr L Johnston
- Dr William Loan
Dr William Loan
- Dr P Lowry
Dr P Lowry
- Dr Peter Ball
Dr Peter Ball
- Dr Eoin Napier
Dr Eoin Napier
- Dr Noel Napier
Dr Noel Napier
- Dr Satyen Shukla
Dr Satyen Shukla
- Dr Christopher Boyd
Dr Christopher Boyd
