Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that are frequently asked by women who come to Ultrasound Care. We are always happy to answer any questions you have, if you don’t find the answer you are looking for here:
Appointment Questions
Please bring your referral with you and any other images or reports that you think may be relevant.
Wear any clothes that you feel comfortable in, a two-piece outfit is ideal.
We are a private clinic that specialises in obstetric and gynaecological imaging, and we pride ourselves on providing our patients with a highly personalised and efficient service. All our sonographers are highly trained, and all images are reviewed by experienced, highly qualified doctors who are all specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists. Most other clinics have generalist clinicians and sonographers, not specialists.
Ultrasound Care also only uses the most up to date technology to allow for superior image results. All our staff are happy to talk about your results with you on the day, and most of the reports are finalised the same day which is why many gynaecologists, obstetricians and fertility specialists refer their patients to Ultrasound Care for their scans, tests and procedures. We have also purpose built our scan rooms with unique qualities not found in other ultrasound clinics. Each room has its own private en-suite and conveniently positioned screens, allowing you to view your scan easily and in comfort.
Our all-female clinical team are all highly trained specialists and are supported by our caring admin staff, who are also an all-female team.
General Ultrasound Questions
We ask you to drink water before your ultrasound as a full bladder allows better penetration of ultrasound waves, resulting in a clearer picture and greater diagnostic accuracy. However, if your bladder feels overfull, please let us know. Your scan room has a private en-suite to allow you to release some fluid, so you are more comfortable.
It depends on what is required. In some instances, it might be preferable for us to conduct an internal scan. We will ask your permission if an internal scan may be performed as it often improves the diagnostic accuracy. Your Ultrasound Care doctor or sonographer will discuss this with you on the day and explain the reason for the request.
Please be assured that at Ultrasound Care your privacy as well as your physical, mental and emotional comfort is always our priority.
At Ultrasound Care we offer a variety of scans and procedures. To find out more about a particular scan or procedure please visit the relevant page on our website, review our brochures or call one of our friendly team for more information.
First Trimester and Pregnancy Questions
The majority of NIPT (Non-Invasive Pre-Natal Testing) test results come back in 7 working days – although it can be sooner or later.
Depending upon the test provided, the Ultrasound Care doctor or genetic counsellor will ask you if you would like to know the gender of your baby when we are collecting the blood test. When the results are available our counsellor will ask you again if you would like to know your baby’s gender.
In most cases the gender can be kept a secret. However, in rare cases the gender may need to be disclosed for medical reasons. Your Ultrasound Care doctor or our genetic counsellor will discuss this with you during your appointment.
When considering which is the best option, please note that the NIPT will pick up over 99% of babies with down syndrome and also detects other common chromosome issues. The NIPT does not check the structure of your baby and so we would always recommend an early structural scan. Nuchal Translucency Screening (otherwise just called a nuchal) is designed to detect 95% of common chromosome issues. During the nuchal scan, the Ultrasound Care team will also be checking the structure of the baby.
The NIPT does not check the structure of your baby and so we will always recommend you have an early structural scan.
The 20 week scan is a detailed scan of your baby’s anatomy, and is the most complex ultrasound scan obtained during pregnancy. By 20 weeks most of your baby’s organs are developed and we are able to assess how they are formed.
During the 20 week scan, your Ultrasound Care team will assess over 60 structures including complex organs such as the head, heart and kidneys. Occasionally your baby does not want to co-operate, and we may need to bring you back to finish the scan.
Pelvic Examinations and Procedures Questions
The level of pain is variable depending upon the exam or procedure. You may experience discomfort and some cramping like period pain. However, our care team are very considerate and will make every effort to ensure you have minimum discomfort when you attend your appointment.
Most women who attend Ultrasound Care report their examination and procedure was not as uncomfortable as they had expected.
As Paracetamol is an analgesic, it has no effect on smooth muscle, and Nurofen / Ibuprofen is not as effective on smooth muscle. Unless you are allergic, Naprogesic is preferred and will provide better pain relief.
You do not have to bring somebody with you, the Ultrasound Care team are there to provide support and assistance, but you are welcome to bring somebody along for support if you choose.
The level of pain is variable. You may experience discomfort and some cramping like period pain. Most women who attend Ultrasound Care for a Hycosy report the procedure was not as uncomfortable as they had expected it to be.
Hycosy and Lipiodol are both tubal patency procedures that check whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked. A Hycosy uses a water-based solution, while Lipiodol uses an iodised poppy seed oil. Your referring doctor will discuss which procedure is most suitable for your fertility journey.
Yes, you do. This is because some measurements / information about your uterus and ovaries is more accurately assessed during the early stage of your cycle., regardless of any contraception you may be using.
For example, antral follicle counts only in first part of cycle. Endometrial pathology e.g., polyps can be obscured by changes in lining on second half of cycle and both are important for your fertility assessment.
At Ultrasound Care we offer a variety of pelvic scans and procedures. To find out more about a particular scan or procedure, please visit the relevant page on our website, review our brochures or call to speak with one of our team.
Ideally between days 5 and 10 of your cycle. In certain circumstances we may perform the scan outside of this time frame. If this is the case, you will be advised by one of the Ultrasound Care team.
Genetic Counselling Questions
An appointment with an Ultrasound Care Genetic Counsellor (or GC) costs $175. Part of this appointment involves the GC taking an extensive family history, making time to discuss your particular concerns, and giving consideration as to which of the available tests will suit your needs. The appointment fee covers any follow up consultations / counselling that may be required.
There are a number of screening tests available, and costs range from approx. $400. When you attend your appointment and your family history has been taken, our Genetic Counsellor will be able to discuss the recommended test as well as the costs.
Genetic carrier or carrier screening is a generic name given to tests which are performed to determine whether individuals or couples have a genetic variant which may affect their chance of having a child with a particular health condition. The most commonly occurring genetic conditions are cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile x-syndrome. There are screening tests for these conditions as well as more extensive screening panels that screen for hundreds of conditions.
Ultrasound Care is here to help
We hope you have found this information useful. You will also find further detail on all our services throughout the website, and please also feel free to call and ask one of our friendly team a question if you have been unable to find the information you are seeking.
