Breast Ultrasound
A Breast Ultrasound is an imaging technique commonly used to screen for tumors and other breast abnormalities. The Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the breast tissue. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasounds don’t use radiation and are considered safe for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.
What to bring
• A Referral from your doctor or specialist is required for this examination, please ensure you bring this to your appointment.
• Medicare card
• Previous imaging report not performed at Southwest Ultrasound
How do I prepare for a Breast Ultrasound?
There is no preparation required for a soft tissue ultrasound.
It’s also important to avoid applying powders, lotions, or other cosmetics to your breasts before the ultrasound. This can interfere with the accuracy of the test.
How is a Breast Ultrasound Performed?
Once you arrive at Southwest Ultrasound, you may be asked by the Sonographer to change into a gown and to lie on an examination table. You will be covered during your examination except for the area required to be examined. The Sonographer may ask a series of questions about your medical history. The Sonographer who will perform your examination will apply a warm layer of gel to the area being scanned. This allows for good contact between the skin and the ultrasound transducer.
The transducer sends and receives high-frequency sound waves. As the waves bounce off the internal structures of your breast, the transducer records changes in their pitch and direction. This creates a real-time recording of the inside of your breast on a computer monitor.
Once the images have been recorded, the Sonographer will get you to clean the gel off your breast and you can then get dressed.
Risks and side effects
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images, there are no known side effects from having a diagnostic ultrasound scan performed for medical imaging purposes.
The Sonographer applies techniques to ensure that your scan is a safe procedure. For this reason, your scan should only be performed by an accredited Sonographer, or trained medical practitioner, and a scan should only be performed when clinically indicated.
Who will perform and report my examination?
At Southwest Ultrasound your ultrasound examination will be carried out by a Sonographer (a technologist trained in ultrasound imaging) and accredited by the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR). Your images will be reviewed and reported by a radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in the interpretation of medical images).
How do i receive my results?
Results will be made available to your referring doctor within 24 – 48 hours. In an emergency situation, you referring doctor will be contacted.
