Ultrasound
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a live, moving image of the inside of the body. This image of internal organs, tissue and vessels is displayed on a monitor while the scan is performed. In other words, it is a real-time imaging.
An ultrasound has many uses, including monitoring an unborn baby, diagnosing a condition or guiding a surgeon during certain procedures, determining the gender/sex of a baby before it is born, detect any fetal abnormalities that otherwise may be incompatible with extra-uterine life, detect abnormal (ectopic) locations of pregnancy.
Walk-in appointments available
What can an ultrasound show?
Ultrasound can give your health care provider information that may help in your diagnosis and treatment. Most soft tissue organs can be studied with an ultrasound. For instance, the gallbladder may be checked for gallstones. The kidney, liver, and pancreas can be studied for tumors or cysts. Blood vessels can be checked for swelling or blockage. The scrotum, uterus, ovaries, breasts and the neck/thyroid can well be studied with ultrasound for any abnormality. Ultrasound is also used to evaluate pregnancy. We can see the growth, position, number of babies in the mother’s uterus and of course the gender.
Preparation for an Ultrasound
There are different preparations for an ultrasound, depending on the type of scan you are having. These preparations can include instructions like fasting for a certain amount of time or drinking water. If any preparation is needed for your ultrasound, we will let you know when scheduling your appointment.
If you are diabetic or on regular medication, please inform us when scheduling your appointment.
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing that you can easily change out of, if necessary. We also advise that you wear a minimal amount of jewelry as you may be required to remove them. Your items will be securely locked for the duration of your exam.
Your Reffering doctor is required to provide short and brief history of your condition; you may be asked some relevant questions if you don’t come with adequate history of your condition from your physician.
What do I Expect?
Your healthcare provider may give you instructions on how to prepare for your ultrasound. On the day of the scan your healthcare provider may or may not ask you to pay attention to the following:
- Arrival: You should plan to arrive early. Arriving early helps the Jahmale stay on schedule.
- Medications: Ask your health care provider if you should take your regular medicines before the ultrasound.
Upon arriving at Jahmale, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff that will register and help you get ready for your scan. Our dedicated Sonographer will walk you through the scan, answer any questions you may have and ask you to sign a consent form.
You may be required to remove clothing or asked to change into a hospital gown. You may also be required to remove any objects that could interfere with the scan.
The radiologist or sonographer will apply some gel to the area of your body which is being examined. They will then place a small camera-like device called an ultrasound probe onto your skin and move it over the part of the body to obtain clear images.
You may be asked to remain still while the scan is being done to avoid blurring the images. There may be a need for you to hold your breath momentarily at different times throughout the scan. (Why? Imaging Input needed here.)
An ultrasound scan usually takes 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the area of the body being examined.
Walk-in appointments available
When will I get my results?
Jahmale Ultrasound results are available within 30 minutes after the scan in most cases. In some rare cases you might be asked to come the next day for additional examination or for your final report. If you are a referral patient, you will be asked to wait for your results and advised to discuss the findings with your doctor, who will offer you detailed information and next steps including treatment. Referring doctors may provide Jahmale with an email address for result delivery. Please note that Jahmale will follow the delivery preference of your doctor considering they are your primary health care provider and have the best knowledge of your medical history.
However, ultrasound results for Jahmale patients will be sent directly to your doctor to be discussed with you during your follow-up visit.
If you have questions concerning the delivery of your results, please contact +231 77 660 3000 / +231 88 160 3000.