Ultrasound Services
Why Use Ultrasound?
Ultrasound has many uses. All of the services listed below are available at the Hertfordshire Ultrasound Centre.
General and Abdominal Scans
Ultrasound is ideal for the investigation of abdominal pain with clear visualisation of Kidneys, Bladder, Liver, Gall Bladder, Bile Ducts and some hernias. Prostate scans can be combined with out- patient prostatic biopsy.
Ultrasound is also useful for scanning the thyroid gland and for reassurance following testicular pain or to rule out cysts, swellings or cancer of the testicles.
Gynaecological & Infertility Scans
Ultrasound is ideal for examining the female pelvis and to exclude pathology, such as: fibroids of the womb, cysts and tumours of the ovaries, and to exclude ectopic pregnancies.
Obstetric & Fetal Screening
Ultrasound can be used to determine the child's gestational age, to scan for abnormalities, and even to determine the baby's gender. Studies have shown that ultrasound is completely safe for your baby. Common reasons for having an ultrasound include determining the age of the fetus if you’re unsure about your last period, investigating the cause of bleeding during pregnancy, evaluating the health of the fetus, diagnosing twins and to checking for a breech birth.
Nuchal Scans
Nuchal Scans (to look at the baby's neck) are performed in early pregnancy (11-13 weeks). This procedure is used to screen for Downs Syndrome and other fetal abnormalities.
Amniocentesis
If there are any concerns Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS) can be performed as an outpatient procedure. During these tests, a sample of fluid from around the baby, or tissue from the placenta, is taken under ultrasound control. Cells from the baby are then sent off for chromosomal analysis.
Echo Cardiograms (Heart)
Echocardiography (or echo) uses sound waves to produce an image of the heart and to see how it is functioning. The cardiologist can learn about the size, shape, and movement of your heart muscle. This test can also show how the heart valves are working and how blood is flowing through your heart. Echocardiography can also give information about your arteries.
Musculo Skeletal
Ultrasound is ideal for muscular tears and strains, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist), Achilles Tendonitis (ankle) and Frozen Shoulders. The radiologist can compare the damaged and healthy sides of the body, and, if required, accurately guide a healing cortisone injection under ultrasound control, to the exact area of damage. This is particularly helpful in acute sporting injuries, as well as in chronic hard-to-treat shoulder, wrist and ankle problems.
Non-Invasive
Modern developments in ultrasound technology have granted doctors a safe, non-invasive and reliable view into the human body. Using a small 'microphone' placed on the skin, ultrasound waves are focused onto any part of the body to reveal vital accurate information about the internal organs. It is however a sad reality that the standard wait for an NHS ultrasound can be as long as 3-4 months.
Latest Technology & No Waiting
Here, at the Hertfordshire Ultrasound Centre, we have a no-waiting-list policy and most scans can be performed immediately by our specialist consultants – many of whom are leaders in their clinical fields. Our ultrasound machines (Phillips ATL HDI 500 Sono CT) use the very latest, state of the art technology, and are ideal for the investigation of a vast range of clinical conditions.
Make an Ultrasound Appointment
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