Ultrasound

Ultrasound is completely safe and uses no radiation at all. It works by sending harmless, inaudible soundwaves into the body and listening to the echoes that bounce back. These soundwaves cause no known harm to human tissue and have been used safely in medicine for over 50 years.

Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice precisely because of its safety profile, it is the only form of diagnostic imaging routinely used on developing babies during pregnancy. It is equally safe for newborns, infants, children, pregnant women, and elderly patients.

Yes, a referral from a GP or specialist is required for Medicare-rebated ultrasound. Most ultrasound examinations are bulk billed with a valid referral, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible Medicare card holders.

Some studies can also be performed as self-referrals (paid privately), but we strongly recommend obtaining a referral from your doctor as it ensures the right study is performed for your clinical need, and that your referring doctor receives the report directly.

Your ultrasound images are reviewed and reported by our radiologists.

The majority of ultrasound examinations at Matrix Medical Imaging are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders with a valid referral meaning no out-of-pocket cost.

Some highly specialised studies, particularly in obstetrics (such as morphology scans and detailed fetal anatomy assessments), may incur a small out-of-pocket fee because they are performed by sonographers with specialised training and involve extended examination times. Our reception staff will let you know of any gap payment when you book so there are no surprises.

A full bladder serves as a natural "window" through which the ultrasound beam can travel more easily to reach deeper pelvic structures. It has two useful effects:

• It displaces gas-filled bowel loops out of the way bowel gas blocks ultrasound waves and makes imaging impossible
• It provides an acoustic window that allows the transducer to see the uterus, ovaries, and lower urinary tract clearly

This is why pelvic, early obstetric, and renal ultrasounds typically require you to arrive with a full bladder. Please follow the specific instructions we give you when booking arriving with a bladder that is too empty or too full can compromise the quality of the scan.

A transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) uses a slim, smooth probe placed gently inside the vagina to image the uterus and ovaries from close range. This provides far superior image quality compared to a transabdominal scan alone, particularly in early pregnancy and for detailed gynaecological assessment.

For TVS, your bladder should be empty, please empty your bladder before arriving. Most patients find the examination mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. If you experience discomfort at any point, let your sonographer know and they will adjust their approach or stop the examination.

A female sonographer is available on request, please advise our staff when booking if you would prefer this.

This is possible from approximately 18-20 weeks at the morphology scan, and sometimes earlier with a good fetal position. However, it is not always possible fetal position, movement, and technical factors can make determination difficult or impossible on the day.

Please let your sonographer know if you would like to know the sex and they will try to determine it for you. If you would prefer not to know, please tell us before the scan begins so we can make a note. We recommend having a plan for both outcomes on the day, as the information may become visible during the scan regardless of intent.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned. Two-piece outfits are ideal if you are having an abdominal, pelvic, or pregnancy scan and this avoids having to completely undress.

For musculoskeletal scans of the shoulder, knee, or ankle, loose fitting clothing or shorts are helpful. For neck or thyroid ultrasound, avoid high neck garments.

You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area being imaged, but in most cases this is not necessary.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. For pregnancy scans in particular, many patients bring a partner, family member, or friend to share the experience.

Please note that for clinical reasons, some portions of the examination may need to be performed with only the patient and sonographer present. Your sonographer will let you know if this applies and will invite your support person back in once the technical assessment is complete.