Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid ultrasound is effective in providing highly detailed images of the Thyroid and is often used to investigate Thyroid symptoms.
Your doctor may refer you for ultrasound examinations of the Thyroid for a number of reasons including:
• To determine if a lump in the neck is arising from the Thyroid or an adjacent structure
• To analyse the appearance of nodules and determine if they are the more common benign nodule or if the nodule has features that require a biopsy
• To look for additional nodules in patients with one or more nodules felt on physical exam
• To see if a Thyroid nodule has substantially grown over time
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
Preparation
There is no preparation required for a Thyroid ultrasound.
What to expect during my procedure
Once you arrive at Southwest Ultrasound, you will be asked by the Sonographer to lie on an examination table. You will be covered during your examination except for the area required to be examined. The Sonographer performing the examination may begin by discussing your medical history.They will then apply a warm layer of gel to your neck. This allows for good contact between the skin and the ultrasound transducer. A series of routine images of the Thyroid will be obtained by moving the ultrasound transducer over the front of your neck. Gentle pressure of the probe is required during the examination.
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.
