Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves — not radiation — to produce real-time images of the inside of the body. A handheld probe shows organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and blood vessels, as well as the abdomen, pelvis and unborn babies, helping doctors diagnose many conditions safely and without any injection in most cases.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Ultrasound (sonography) sends harmless high-frequency sound waves into the body through a small handheld probe and listens to the echoes to build moving images on a screen. Because it shows tissue in real time and uses no radiation, it is a first-line test for the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas and other abdominal organs, the thyroid and other soft-tissue lumps, the pelvis and reproductive organs, and pregnancy. Doppler ultrasound can also show blood flow in arteries and veins, and ultrasound is widely used to guide biopsies and injections.
International patients are supported by a coordinator who schedules the scan and explains any preparation, such as fasting before an abdominal scan or a full bladder for some pelvic studies. If you bring ultrasound images or reports from abroad, our radiologists can provide a second-opinion reading, and you receive a clear, personalised cost estimate before your visit.
Who is a candidate?
- People with abdominal symptoms affecting the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen or kidneys
- Patients being assessed for gallstones, fatty liver or other digestive and liver disease
- Those with a lump or swelling in the thyroid, breast, testes or other soft tissue
- Patients needing assessment of the pelvis, uterus, ovaries or prostate
- Pregnant women requiring routine or detailed obstetric scans
- People needing assessment of blood flow in arteries or veins, or image-guided biopsy
What happens
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Preparation
Preparation depends on the area: you may be asked to fast for several hours before an abdominal scan (so the gallbladder is visible), or to drink water and keep a full bladder for some pelvic scans. Many ultrasounds need no preparation at all — your coordinator tells you what to do.
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During the scan
You lie on a couch and a clear gel is applied to your skin to help the probe make good contact. The sonographer or radiologist moves the probe gently over the area, capturing images and sometimes Doppler measurements of blood flow. The scan is painless, though mild pressure may be felt.
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Internal (transvaginal or transrectal) scans
For some pelvic or prostate studies, a thin probe is gently placed inside the vagina or rectum to give a closer, clearer view. This is done with your consent, is generally well tolerated and gives more detailed images than a scan through the abdomen alone.
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Afterwards & results
The gel is wiped off and you can return to normal activity immediately. Findings can often be discussed with you on the day, and a full written report from the radiologist is usually ready within 24 hours for your doctor to review with you.
Benefits
- Uses no ionising radiation, making it very safe and suitable in pregnancy and for repeated scans
- Shows organs and blood flow in real time as they move
- Non-invasive, painless and usually needs no injection
- Quick, widely available and often allows same-day discussion of findings
- Excellent for guiding biopsies and drainage procedures accurately and safely
Risks & considerations
- Image quality can be limited by bowel gas, large body habitus or overlying bone, so deeper structures are sometimes better seen on CT or MRI
- Internal (transvaginal or transrectal) probes may cause brief, mild discomfort
- Findings depend on the skill of the operator, which is why scans are performed by trained specialists
- It cannot image well through air-filled lungs or bone, so it is not suitable for every part of the body
- Occasionally an inconclusive result means a further test, such as CT or MRI, is recommended
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Radiology & Imaging.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Ultrasound Scan — frequently asked questions
The price depends on the area examined and whether a Doppler or internal scan is needed. We give you a clear, personalised estimate before your visit and confirm exactly what is included, so there are no surprises.
Yes. Ultrasound images and, importantly, the radiologist's report can be reviewed by our specialists for a second opinion. Because ultrasound is operator-dependent, we may sometimes repeat a quick scan, but in many cases a recent report is enough.
Ultrasound uses harmless sound waves and no ionising radiation, which is why it is the standard scan in pregnancy and can be repeated safely as often as needed.
Ultrasound is painless — you mainly feel cool gel and gentle pressure from the probe. Most scans need no injection at all; a contrast agent is used only in selected cases, and internal probes may cause brief, mild discomfort.
It depends on the scan. Abdominal scans usually require fasting for several hours so the gallbladder shows clearly, and some pelvic scans need a full bladder. Many ultrasounds need no preparation — your coordinator will tell you exactly what to do.
Findings can often be discussed with you on the same day, and a full written report from the radiologist is usually available within 24 hours for your treating doctor to review with you.
Related treatments
Considering ultrasound scan?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.