Welcome to the Imaging Department
The Imaging Department may also be called the X-ray or Radiology Department. It is the area of the hospital where examinations of patients are done like CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds.
Radiologists are doctors specially trained to read the images and carry out more complex examinations. They work with radiographers and sonographers who are highly trained to do X-rays and other imaging procedures.
What is an ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan builds up a picture using sound waves that cannot be heard by the human ear. Ultrasound images are used for many different body parts.
Are there any risks?
There are no known risks.
Do I need to prepare in advance?
Often you will need to prepare for a scan. For example, if your pelvis, kidneys, or bladder are being scanned, you may need to have a full bladder. For areas like the liver, you may need to not eat for several hours. If so, this will be explained in your appointment letter.
If you feel you may have difficulties preparing please contact our bookings team. The contact number is on your appointment letter.
Can I bring somebody with me?
Yes, you can bring a friend or relative with you. It may not always be possible for them to come with you into the scanning room. Please ask if you would like them to and we will try to accommodate your request.
What will happen when I arrive?
Please go to the reception desk. You will be shown where to wait until a member of staff comes to collect you. If you are coming to Southmead Hospital, please follow the check-in process outlined in your appointment letter.
There are toilets in the department. Please do not use the toilet until after the examination if you have been asked to fill your bladder.
Who will I see?
You will be seen by a radiologist or a sonographer depending on the type of scan you are having.
North Bristol NHS Trust is a teaching hospital; there may be a trainee present for some examinations. They will be introduced at the beginning of the examination. If you would prefer them not to be there, please tell the radiologist or sonographer.
Will I need to undress?
We will tell you if you need to remove any clothes before your examination. Private areas are available if you need to take off your outer clothes or put on a hospital gown.
What happens during the scan?
You will lie down on a couch, and we will dim the lights so that the images on the screen can be seen more clearly. We will put gel on your skin over the area to be scanned.
You may be asked to take deep breaths and to hold your breath for a few moments. For a scan of the bladder, it is sometimes not full enough for the examination and you may be asked to drink more fluid and wait while the bladder fills up.
The radiologist/sonographer will move the ultrasound probe over your skin while viewing the images on a screen. Some images will be saved so that they can be viewed later.
After the examination is finished, the gel will be wiped off and you will can get dressed.
Will it be uncomfortable?
Ultrasound itself does not cause discomfort and apart from the probe on your skin you should not feel anything.
Occasionally it may be necessary to push over an sore area to check what is causing the pain. This may cause discomfort for a short time.
If your bladder is uncomfortably full, please tell the radiologist/ sonographer so that this part of the examination can be done first. You can the leave the room to empty your bladder before returning to finish the examination.
Intimate examinations
If you are having an intimate examination the radiologist or sonographer will explain the procedure to you and ask for your permission to do the scan.
Please note: we have male and female staff performing these examinations. If you would prefer a male or female to do your examination, please contact our bookings team. The number is on your appointment letter, we will be more than happy to accommodate your request.
Female patients - for examinations of the womb or ovaries
Female patients: for examinations of the womb or ovaries. A “transvaginal” ultrasound means “through the vagina”.
You will be asked to empty your bladder before this scan is done. During the procedure, you will be asked to lie on your back with your knees bent.
A small ultrasound probe with a clean cover, not much wider than a finger, is then gently passed into the vagina and pictures of your organs are sent to a monitor.
Internal examinations may cause some discomfort, but don’t usually cause much pain and shouldn’t take very long.
If you have not been sexually active before, the internal scan can still be done, if you understand what it involves and agree to it. If you do not want an internal scan, that is completely fine. Please just make sure your bladder is full for the first part of the scan on top of your tummy If it is not, you may be rebooked.
In most intimate scans, a chaperone will be present and if there is not, you may request this if you wish. Please let the person doing your scan know when you arrive for your scan.
How long will it take?
The process of doing a scan usually takes around 10-20 minutes. Unless emergency patients delay your appointment, your total time should be less than an hour.
Are there any side effects?
No. You can drive afterwards, and return to work.
Can I eat and drink afterwards?
If no other tests are needed, you can eat and drink normally after your scan.
When will I get the results?
After the scan, we will review the pictures from the scan and prepare a report for the doctor on what we have seen. This may take time to reach the doctor who sent you, but is normally less than 14 days. You could ask the radiologist/sonographer how long it might take to get the results.
References
Ultrasound scan - NHS
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published July 2025. Review due July 2028. NBT002024.
