What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging (also called ultrasound scanning or sonography) is a non-invasive medical examination that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. This enables doctors to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

 Some of the major advantages of ultrasound:

• It is a simple and non-invasive procedure

• It can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs

• It can show blood flowing through blood vessels in real time

• Negligible side effects with no radiation involved

At Southwest Ultrasound, ultrasound examinations are carried out by a sonographer (a technologist trained in ultrasound imaging) who is accredited by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). All examinations are then interpreted by a radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in the interpretation of medical images).

During the examination a water based gel will be applied to the skin over the area to be scanned to improve the transmission of sound waves between the body and the ultrasound transducer. To get the best possible images the sonographer may ask you to hold your breath or move your position so the best images can be obtained.