It’s the first time your doctor orders an ultrasound scan check-up, and you’ll already be anxious. Not only that, but you have lots of questions, too. Most of the time, patients in Singapore scheduled for such an examination ask themselves questions like “Will it hurt?” “What will the doctor or technician do?”, and “How long will it take?”. What they want to know is what to expect during an ultrasound examination.
In Singapore, ultrasound scans are very common in hospitals and clinics and diagnostic imaging centres. They are mostly safe as they do not use ionising radiation. Knowing more about the test beforehand can alleviate some of the anxieties most patients have towards it.
What Is an Ultrasound Scan and How It Works
An ultrasound scan is a test to look at structures and parts within the body. It uses high-frequency sound waves to take images of internal organs, soft tissues, joints, and to look at blood flow. It is a safe test as it does not use radiation.
Because sound waves are used instead of X-rays, ultrasound is considered extremely safe overall. That’s exactly why it’s widely used in pregnancy care in Singapore, as well as for abdominal, pelvic, and musculoskeletal examinations.
During the scan, a trained sonographer moves a small handheld device, called a probe, over the area being examined — slowly and carefully. A water-based gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves clearly. As the sound waves bounce back, images appear in real time on a screen. That lets doctors assess movement, structure, and even blood flow as the scan happens.
Some patients are surprised to see movement on the screen right away. It can feel a bit like watching a live video from inside the body.
For official details on the procedure and preparation, you can read a more technical guide on ultrasound scans in Singapore.
Common Medical Uses of an Ultrasound Scan in Singapore
Doctors use ultrasound for several medical purposes, including:
- Pregnancy monitoring: Ultrasound in pregnancy is the most common use of ultrasound and is a joy for most parents to see and hear their baby grow and develop in the womb.
- Abdominal pain: Ultrasound can clearly show the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and pancreas and can detect stones and cysts in these organs.
- Pelvic pain or irregular bleeding: A woman who is experiencing constant pelvic pain or irregular bleeding can have an ultrasound scan to assess the size and shape of her uterus as well as her ovaries for any growths or abnormalities such as fibroids or ovarian cysts.
- Evaluating Muscles and Joints: Ultrasound scans are also useful for doctors to investigate muscle, tendon and ligament problems. From a simple sprained ankle to shoulder pain, an ultrasound scan can be used to assess soft tissues that cannot be seen on a plain X-ray.
There are many times that a doctor would like to have a good look at your soft tissues or your organs and a safe first choice would be an ultrasound scan.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound Scan (Step-by-Step)
Understanding the uses is helpful. But knowing what will actually happen when you arrive is what truly eases nerves.
So what’s it actually like? Ultrasound is simpler than most people expect. Here’s what to expect during your ultrasound appointment:
Before the Scan
Before the scan, depending on the type of ultrasound, you may be required to prepare. For example, for a pelvic ultrasound, you would be asked to drink plenty of water before the scan. For an abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to fast beforehand. The clinic will provide full details on how to prepare for your ultrasound scan in advance to ensure the best results.
Most patients have to come to the clinic on their day off work and have other commitments, like dropping the kids off at school. Whatever the reason for their visit, the staff in the clinic are very used to people arriving late, flustered, and a little stressed.
During the Scan
When the scan begins, you’ll be asked to lie on an examination bed, and the sonographer will apply a small amount of gel to the skin. The gel feels cold. That’s usually the biggest surprise.
A lot of people tense up at first. Then a few minutes in, they realise it’s much more comfortable than they expected. As the probe is moved across the area, you may feel light pressure, particularly if the scan is focused on a sensitive or tender spot.
If you feel discomfort at any point, it’s helpful to let the sonographer know. They can usually adjust their technique or positioning to make the process more comfortable. Wondering if you’ll be able to see anything on the screen? Sometimes you can — sometimes the sonographer needs to focus quietly.
The room is typically quiet. Apart from the soft sound of the machine.
After the Scan
Waiting for results can sometimes take longer than the actual procedure. The procedure itself can last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the body part being scanned.
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the scan, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.
In busy diagnostic centres around Singapore, a sonographer can perform dozens of scans a day and be able to manage them all smoothly and quickly.
Ultrasound Preparation Checklist: What You Need to Know
Preparing properly helps the sonographer get clear images the first time and reduces the chance you’ll need to come back for a repeat scan.
The instructions vary depending on the type of ultrasound being performed. And your clinic will usually provide specific guidance when you book your appointment.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: You’ll need to fast for 5-7 hours before your appointment. Why? A clear, empty stomach provides an unobstructed view of your organs, leading to a more accurate scan. Plain water is usually allowed. If you are diabetic, consult your doctor about adjusting your medication during the fast.
- Pelvic Ultrasound: A full bladder is essential. The standard preparation is to drink 600ml of water in the hour before your scan, finishing 30 minutes prior. Do not empty your bladder until after the examination. A full bladder helps provide better images of the uterus and ovaries.
- Other Ultrasounds: There may be little or no preparation required in musculoskeletal scans or those focused on smaller areas.
A simple tip: wear loose, comfortable clothing, and leave valuable jewellery at home so changing is quicker and easier.
Getting the factors above right is the best way to make the whole scan process feel smoother.
3 Key Tips for Choosing an Ultrasound Clinic in Singapore
Choosing an appropriate ultrasound clinic in Singapore for your scans typically depends on several criteria. One of the most important factors is having scans reviewed by accredited consultant radiologists. Their training and experience directly affect how accurately results are interpreted.
Firstly, ensure that the scans you take can be reviewed by a consultant radiologist accredited to do so. The scans that you take will be interpreted by a consultant radiologist and it is very important to ensure that the consultant radiologist who is interpreting your scans is properly qualified and has the right amount of experience and proper training to ensure that the results of your scans are accurate.
Why Doctors Recommend Ultrasound as a First Test
Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation. Ultrasound images can be used to display how structures move, view blood flow, and assess how a joint functions. For assessment of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments and organs) the images produced by ultrasound are generally superior to those produced by X-rays and are often used as the first test as images are available straight away to aid diagnosis.
What You Need to Know About Ultrasound in Singapore
Ultrasound scans are used in many parts of the hospital to help the doctor to find out what is wrong with you. Because it is safe, quick, and easy to perform, it is often the preferred method for examining soft tissues and organs.
Your doctor can explain your specific needs and how the ultrasound scan results can help with your diagnosis and treatment. With the right preparation and a professional diagnostic imaging centre, an ultrasound in Singapore is usually a straightforward step toward getting clearer answers.
