Breast ultrasound

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the interior of the human body. These images are displayed on a monitor and can then be transferred to digital copies.

What happens during breast ultrasound?

The scanner uses the same technology as the sonar used by ships. During your scan a microphone is passed over your breast. The sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids and tissue and are passed back through the microphone to a computer. The computer turns these sound waves into images that are displayed on a monitor.

You will be taken to a private area by one of our consultant radiologists. A clear gel will be spread on the area to be scanned. This gel helps to transmit the sound waves to the microphone. The microphone is pressed onto your skin and moved  back and forth over the area being scanned. The scan will appear on the monitor.

Breast ultrasound usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Once your examination is complete you can get dressed and resume your normal activities.

How will I know the results of my breast ultrasound?

One of our ultrasound experts will read and interpret the images and send a report to your GP or consultant. Be sure and ask how long you should expect to wait for the results before you leave.

Click here for other types of ultrasound scanning.