Our services
Ultrasound
At South Coast Radiology, our Ultrasound services provide safe, detailed, real-time imaging for patients of all ages, from pregnancy care and sports injuries to abdominal, vascular, and soft-tissue assessments.
Using high-frequency sound waves, our accredited sonographers and radiologists capture precise images of organs, blood vessels, and developing babies — all without radiation exposure.
Ultrasound is a versatile, non-invasive modality widely used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions. It can also guide procedures such as injections or biopsies with exceptional accuracy.
We also offer Doppler and ultrasound-guided studies for comprehensive imaging that supports clear diagnosis and confident clinical decisions.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound works by sending harmless sound waves into the body. These waves bounce back as echoes and are converted into live images by a computer.
Because ultrasound provides real-time imaging, it can show movement — such as a beating heart, flowing blood, or fetal motion — not just static pictures.
It’s commonly used to assess:
- Abdominal and pelvic organs (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, uterus, prostate)
- Muscles, tendons, and joints
- Arteries and veins (vascular imaging)
- Thyroid and neck structures
- Developing babies during pregnancy
Why might I need an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is often the first-line imaging choice due to its safety, speed, and ability to provide immediate diagnostic insight.
Your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound to:
- Investigate abdominal pain or assess liver, kidney, or gallbladder conditions
- Examine thyroid, neck, or soft-tissue lumps
- Evaluate blood flow using Doppler ultrasound — for example, to detect arterial narrowing or deep vein thrombosis
- Monitor fetal health, growth, and development during pregnancy
- Guide minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies, aspirations, or targeted injections
- Assess musculoskeletal injuries (ligaments, tendons, or joint abnormalities)
Types of Ultrasound
Specialised Ultrasound Studies
Depending on your clinical needs, we may perform advanced or specialised ultrasound examinations such as:
Obstetric & Gynaecological Ultrasound
Ultrasound plays a key role in women’s health.
During pregnancy, it’s used to monitor fetal growth, confirm due dates, assess placenta position, and check overall maternal and baby wellbeing.
Gynaecological ultrasound is used to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and reproductive organs — helping detect conditions such as cysts, fibroids, or causes of pelvic pain or infertility.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
Our team will provide tailored preparation instructions when you book.
Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound you’re having:
- Abdominal scans – Fast for 4–6 hours before your appointment.
- Pelvic or renal scans – A full bladder is required; drink water beforehand.
- Vascular scans – Some vascular examinations require fasting for 4–6 hours beforehand. Our team will confirm if this applies to you. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid constrictive garments.
- Obstetric scans – You may be asked to drink water beforehand for early pregnancy studies.
- Bring your referral, Medicare card, and any previous imaging for comparison.
- Remove any jewellery or metal near the scan area.
On the day
- You’ll lie comfortably on an examination bed.
- A warm, water-based gel is applied to your skin to help the sound waves travel clearly.
- The sonographer gently moves a small handheld probe (called a transducer) over the area being scanned.
- You may be asked to hold your breath, change position, or remain still to capture clear images.
- For Doppler studies, you may see or hear colour-coded blood flow on the screen.
- Most scans take 20–45 minutes, depending on the area and complexity.
After your appointment
- You can return to all normal activities immediately.
- A specialist radiologist will review your images and send a detailed report to your referring doctor.
- If further imaging or follow-up is required, your clinician will discuss this with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ultrasound is safe and widely used throughout pregnancy to monitor fetal development.
Yes. A valid referral from your GP or specialist is required for the correct examination and to access Medicare rebates.
There are no known risks associated with diagnostic ultrasound when performed appropriately.
Doppler is a special type of ultrasound that shows blood flow in arteries and veins — helping detect narrowing, blockages, or clots.
Safety & Comfort
Ultrasound is safe, non-invasive, and radiation-free, making it suitable for pregnant women, children, and infants.
- The scan is painless, although you may feel light pressure from the transducer.
- All examinations are performed by accredited sonographers who ensure precision, professionalism, and patient comfort.