Your doctor has arranged for you to have an Ultrasound scan at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre or the Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre and this leaflet will explain the following:

  • What is an Ultrasound scan?
  • Why do I need an Ultrasound (US) scan?
  • Are there any risks?
  • What is the preparation for an US scan?
  • Can I bring a relative or friend?
  • What will happen during the scan?
  • After your scan
  • When will I get the results?
  • How do we look after your images and medical information?

What is an Ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound examinations (scans) are tests which use high-frequency sound waves (that you can’t hear) and specialist equipment to produce an image. They are particularly good at looking at some of the softer structures in our bodies. 

Your scan will be performed by a Sonographer or a Radiologist. These are highly trained, specialist healthcare staff.

Why do I need an Ultrasound (US) scan?

The scan may help your doctor identify the cause of your symptoms or help them rule out conditions that could cause your symptoms. It may also be used to monitor certain conditions. 

Are there any risks?

Ultrasound scans are very safe and do not use x-rays.

What is the preparation for an Ultrasound scan?

Different ultrasound scans require different types of preparation. Please read your appointment letter for more information on how to prepare for your scan.

Please follow the instructions in your letter carefully, or the practitioner may not be able to complete the scan.

When you come in for your appointment, wear loose-fitting clothing over the area being scanned.

A male or female member of our sonography team will perform your scan. If you would like to discuss any aspect of this and your appointment, including chaperones, please contact the department. 

Please note, the sonographer on duty might be male. In this case, if you would prefer a female sonographer, your appointment may need to be rebooked. 

You have a right to have a chaperone present during your scan. Whenever possible, the chaperone offered will be female.

Can I bring a relative or friend?

Yes, however, we ask that this is limited to one person due to space restrictions in the waiting room.

Please note that dependants (e.g. children) are not allowed in the scan rooms. If a child needs to come with you to your ultrasound, please organise for a responsible adult to supervise them in the waiting area.

What will happen during the scan?

We will perform the scan in our ultrasound room. The room may be dimly lit so that we can see the images produced on the screen more clearly. We may ask you to lie or sit down on a bed.

A water-based gel will be applied to your skin, over the area of interest. It might feel wet and cold. The gel is used to enable good contact between the probe and your skin. 

The ultrasound scan should be painless - however, sometimes pressure does need to be applied to obtain better quality images which can cause some discomfort. Please let us know if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the scan.

Don’t be surprised if the images seem blurred or shadowy. This is normal and our sonographers are trained to interpret these. 

The ultrasound procedure takes approximately 20 minutes depending on what area is being examined. 

After the scan, the gel will be wiped off your skin. Once you get home you may also rinse the area with warm water.

After your scan

There are no side-effects to your scan and you may eat, drink, and return to your normal daily activities as soon as you wish. 

When will I get the results?

The results will be sent to the doctor or healthcare professional who referred you for the scan. This is usually within 2 weeks.

Please note, your results will not generally be discussed with you on the day of the scan. 

You will be able to discuss your results at your next GP / outpatient appointment.

How do we look after your images and medical information?

We may at times share patients’ images and medical information for different purposes. Further information can be found here: Confidentiality & Data Protection.

Further information

If you have any questions or special requirements, please contact the Radiology department at:

Please note, we are unable to provide supervision for dependants (e.g. children).

Please note, we scan patients who have been referred for investigation of a range of conditions, not only for cancer. If appropriate, however, for general information you can email our Cancer Information and Support Services Team or call them on 0151 318 8805.

Find out more about Ultrasound scans (Macmillan Cancer Support)

Easy Read information about having an Ultrasound scan (Macmillan Cancer Support) - PDF document

Cancer Voices logo

This information has been reviewed by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices to check it is easy to understand. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices is a panel of cancer patients who volunteer to read NHS information to make sure it makes sense to people. They have been brought together by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.