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Description of Ultrasounds

Ultrasound (sonography) is one of the most widely used medical imaging tools due to its excellent safety profile, real-time capability, and broad diagnostic range. Using high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound produces detailed images of soft tissues and internal structures—without radiation exposure. This makes it ideal for patients of all ages, including pregnant women and children.

Ultrasounds are commonly performed for:

  • Abdominal pain or digestive symptoms

  • Gallbladder, kidney, liver, or spleen assessment

  • Thyroid and neck lumps

  • Blood flow studies (vascular ultrasound)

  • Pregnancy and fertility assessment

  • Pelvic and women’s imaging

  • Musculoskeletal injuries

  • Paediatric conditions

  • Testicular and scrotal issues

  • Soft tissue lumps

Because ultrasound shows movement in real time, it can assess blood flow using Doppler imaging and guide certain injections or procedures when needed.

At Advicon Imaging, all ultrasound examinations are performed by experienced sonographers using high-resolution equipment for accurate and reliable results. Our radiologists provide detailed reports, and eligible studies are bulk-billed under Medicare.

Utrasound preparation

Clear and correct preparation helps ensure that your ultrasound scan is accurate and provides the best possible diagnostic information. Different ultrasound studies require different preparation instructions. Please review the guidelines below or follow the instructions provided at the time of your booking.

All Medicare‑eligible ultrasound studies are fully bulk‑billed at Advicon Imaging.

General Preparation Notes
  • Take regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
  • Inform us if you are pregnant.
  • If you have diabetes, please discuss fasting requirements with our team.
  • Arrive 5 minutes early to allow for check‑in.

If you are unsure about your preparation, our reception team will be happy to clarify instructions.

Advicon Imaging – Quality care, clear results, fully bulk‑billed ultrasound (where eligible).

Abdomen Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • Fast for 6 hours before the scan.
  • No food, milk, or chewing gum.
  • You may sip small amounts of water if needed.

Purpose:

  • Fasting reduces bowel gas and improves visualisation of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and abdominal organs.
Pelvis Ultrasound (Female and Male)

Preparation:

  • Arrive with a full bladder.
  • Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before the appointment.
  • Do not empty your bladder until after the scan.

Purpose:

  • A full bladder helps push the bowel aside for clearer pelvic imaging.
Renal / Kidney Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • Drink water to fill your bladder.
  • Avoid urinating for 1 hour before your scan.
  • No fasting required unless combined with abdominal study.

Purpose:

  • A full bladder allows assessment of bladder function and urinary outflow.
Pregnancy Ultrasound

Early Pregnancy (Dating / Viability):

  • Full bladder required – drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before.

Second & Third Trimester:

  • No bladder preparation required.
  • Wear loose clothing for easy access to your abdomen.

Morphology Scan (18–20 weeks):

  • No special preparation required.
Transvaginal Pelvic Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • Empty your bladder before the scan.

Notes:

  • This scan may be offered for higher‑detail imaging of the uterus and ovaries; it is optional and always performed with patient consent.
Thyroid / Neck Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • No preparation required.
  • Wear a top that allows access to the neck area.
Breast Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • No preparation required.
  • Avoid applying creams or powders to the chest on the day of the scan.
Testicular / Scrotal Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • No preparation required.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound

Preparation:

  • No specific preparation required.
  • Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned.
Paediatric Ultrasound

Preparation varies depending on the scan:

  • Abdomen: infants may need a shorter fasting period (our team will advise).
  • Renal/Pelvis: older children may need a full bladder.
  • Hips/Soft Tissue/Neck: no preparation required.

Parents and carers may stay with the child at all times.

Vascular Ultrasound (Doppler Studies)

Carotid Doppler:

  • No preparation required.

Leg Arteries or Veins:

  • No preparation required.
  • Wear loose trousers or shorts if possible.

Aortic Aneurysm Screening:

  • Fast for 6 hours prior.

Purpose:

  • Fasting reduces bowel gas to improve view of the abdominal aorta.

Feedback from our patients

Advicon Imaging Reviews

Clinic

Amazing front desk staff, polite and friendly. Staff doing the procedures were amazing and professional. Clean and good location plus they accept Medicare bulk billing. Overall the place offers good service.

Gela

Advicon Imaging Hornsby Clinic

Advicon Imaging provides excellent service. The staff are professional and friendly, the facility is clean and well-maintained, and waiting times are minimal.

Liezel

Hornsby Clinic

Really impressed with the service here. The staff were friendly, professional, and welcoming, and I was in and out very quickly. Made the whole process easy and comfortable. Highly recommend

Alyson

Advicon Imaging Gladesville Clinic

I highly recommend Advicon Imaging West Ryde. They gave me the first available appt which was the day after I got the referral. No wait time. And X-Rays and ultrasound all bulk billed. Amazing! The ultrasound technician was lovely. The X-Ray results were texted immediately. The ultrasound and report are available in 2 days.

Lisa

Advicon Imaging West Ryde Clinic

What an amazingly great service—and especially wonderful people—work here! From the very first step, the receptionist, Mirella, was so lovely and did everything she could to help us organize an ultrasound for my daughter (even though we didn’t have an appointment). The technicians were very friendly and professional. They kindly squeezed us into the queue so we could get the service done. Truly impressed by both the service and the quality!

Irina

Advicon Imaging Hornsby Clinic

I had such a positive experience today. The customer service was genuinely caring, and the doctor made me feel completely at ease with their friendly and gentle approach. The entire staff was incredibly helpful and kind. Definitely a five-star experience!

Ehsan

Advicon Imaging Hornsby Clinic

I recently had a CT scan at this imaging centre, and I was very impressed with their service. The billing process was straightforward with bulk billing, and the centre offers easy access. The staff were friendly, professional, and made the experience stress-free. I’ve visited both of their locations, and they are conveniently situated near Hornsby Westfield, which makes them very accessible. Highly recommend for anyone needing imaging.

Jo

Advicon Imaging Hornsby Clinic

Lovley and friendly receptionist. Felt at ease while waiting. The actual process was quick and painless. If I ever need a cat scan, I would not hesitate to come back. Though perhaps the cat may feel differently.

Dave

Hornsby Clinic

The receptionist Mirella was very helpful and quick to arrange my Mum’s ultrasound. She had a wonderful attitude. The technician Lily was very thorough and patient while completing the ultra sound. They provided excellent care and service for my mum.

Michelle

Hornsby Clinic

Advicon imaging is a great friendly place and most things are bulked billed. They are easy to book. If you have any issues they will sort it out. The girls at reception are really nice and accommodating. The staff who do X-Ray, CT scan, ultrasound are great to deal with.

Aaron

Hornsby Clinic

Great communication from booking process through to examination. Wait times were minimal and the whole process was great (well as great as a medical ultrasound for a torn muscle). My clinician Perry was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. As were the administration/reception staff.

Ros-Alan

Advicon Imaging Gladesville Clinic

Highly recommend! We had a baby ultrasound here and they kindly accommodated us at the last minute. No waiting time and great service — will definitely come back next time!

Jaz

Advicon Imaging Gladesville Clinic

Advicon Imaging was extremely professional, from the referral stage right through to the medical scan. Appointment options were flexible based on my availability and the appointment time was adhered to. All staff were professional yet friendly.

Sharna

Advicon Imaging Gladesville Clinic

We had such a positive experience here. The staff were warm and patient with my young child, and took the time to explain every step in simple language so that they could understand. The whole visit was quick, organised, and the facilities were clean and comfortable. We were in and out within 10min. I wouldn’t hesitate to come back here again and highly recommend them to anyone who feels nervous about scans.

Jenny

Advicon Imaging West Ryde Clinic

I just visited the new imaging center in West Ryde, and I’m truly impressed! All the staff were so kind and welcoming, which made me feel comfortable right away. Everything — from check-in to the actual scan — was handled quickly and efficiently, with almost no waiting time.

Amy

Advicon Imaging West Ryde Clinic

I had an ultra sound with Robin who thoroughly explained everything to me as he conducted the scan, unlike most radiologists! Today I had to have a CT scan with Jason who was just as kind and professional. I thoroughly recommend this place. The whole team from receptionists to radiologists are running a fantastic service.

Nalan

Advicon Imaging West Ryde Clinic

Frequently asked questions about Ultrasounds

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses harmless sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. It is completely safe and does not involve radiation.

Why has my doctor sent me for this test?

Ultrasound helps investigate pain, swelling, lumps, organ function, blood flow, pregnancy-related concerns, or general health issues.

Are ultrasounds safe?

Yes — ultrasound is one of the safest imaging techniques available and is suitable for all ages.

Do I need preparation?

Preparation depends on the type of scan:

  • Abdomen: fasting 6 hours
  • Pelvis: drink 1 litre of water to fill bladder
  • Renal: drink water, avoid urinating
  • Pregnancy: arrive with a comfortably full bladder
  • Other studies: usually no preparation

We will confirm any specific instructions when booking.

Does it hurt?

No. Ultrasound is painless, though mild pressure may be applied.

How long does it take?

Most scans take 15–30 minutes.

When will results be available?

Reports are usually sent to your doctor within 24–48 hours.

Is ultrasound bulk-billed?

Yes. All Medicare-eligible ultrasound examinations are fully bulk-billed at Advicon Imaging.

Book an appointment with Advicon Imaging

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Should you have any questions or require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is committed to supporting you and your patients every step of the way.