IMAGING DEPARTMENT
Information about your Abdominal Ultrasound examination with full bladder.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Thetford Healthy Living Centre
Croxton Road
Thetford
Norfolk
IP24 1JD
Tel: 01284 713378
IF YOU CANNOT FOR ANY REASON KEEP THIS APPOINTMENT PLEASE TELEPHONE
01284 713378 WHICH IS A DIRECT LINE INTO THE DEPARTMENT. THIS WILL AVOID UNDUE DELAY AND WILL HELP US TO KEEP OUR WAITING LIST AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE
INSTRUCTIONS / PREPARATION
Eat and Drink NOTHING except water from midnight or for at least 6 HOURS PRIOR to your examination. This will help us to examine you more easily.
Also please attend the department with a full bladder.
If you are diabetic please telephone the department (01284 713378) for additional advice.
The examination usually takes around 15 minutes. Waiting times are short, and you should be seen within half an hour unless there are problems or emergencies in the department.
ABOUT YOUR EXAMINATION
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound examinations use high-pitched sound waves produced by specialised equipment. The actual examination is quite painless and harmless.
In order to obtain adequate pictures, a little jelly will be placed on your skin; this is easily wiped off afterwards and should not stain your clothes.
You should feel no ill effects from this procedure and will be able to return to your work/home afterwards without any problem.
The Radiologist or Radiographer performing the examination will not give you the result of the test but will send it direct to the doctor who referred you to us.
When will you get the results?
The scan / images will be examined after your visit and a written report on the findings sent to your referring doctor which is normally available in 14 days.
Please remove and leave all your jewellery (except wedding rings) and body piercing ornaments at home.
Children accompanying patients for imaging appointments must be able to remain unattended, as legally staff cannot look after them.
The WestSuffolkHospital is a teaching Hospital and as part of their training it is necessary for students to observe examinations. If you do not wish for an observer to be present please tell the receptionist on arrival.
As part of a shared service agreement with other NHS organisations, your radiology images and records may be shared with these other organisations as part of determining and providing your care. If you would like to know more about the extent of this sharing, or you wish us not to share at all with another organisation, or have any other concerns about it, please contact a member of staff.
T1 Amended 19.10.2010 to review 31.03.2014
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