Ultrasound

The ultrasound waves are emitted by means of a so-called transducer that is moved over your skin. The sound waves reflect differences in tissue density. These are captured by the transducer and the signals are then converted into images by a computer. Ultrasound has been used since 1960. Up to now, no adverse effects have been reported and it can therefore be called a safe examination method.

This examination sometimes requires special preparation.

Do you need to come sober?

If you are coming for an examination of the abdomen or kidneys, you may not eat or drink for two hours before the examination. You may have a light breakfast in the form of a rusk and a cup of tea if you really feel the need. You may also take your medication. If you are not coming until the afternoon, you may have breakfast. Make sure that your bladder is properly filled, so try not to urinate for at least two hours before the examination.

For examinations of skin, neck, joints or blood vessels not located in the abdomen, you do not need to have an empty stomach or full bladder.

What do you take with you?

• Put on comfortable clothes.
• Please bring your insurance card or if you don't have one, your identification (passport or identity card).
• Please take the application letter from your GP with you.

If you prepare well, the examination will go smoothly and quickly.

At home

• For an ultrasound of the abdomen or kidneys, you should eat a light breakfast and make sure your bladder is properly filled!
• Put on comfortable clothes.
• Please bring your insurance card or if you don't have one, your identification (passport or identity card).
• Please take the application letter from your GP with you.
• Here you can find the directions to CliniX.
• It is no problem at all to take someone with you.

In the hospital

• CliniX can be found at the radiology department in the Zaans Medical Centre and in the Saendelft health centre.
• Please check in at the CliniX desk 10 minutes before the time of your appointment.
• The assistant will show you to the waiting room. Always report to the desk first and do not go directly to a waiting room because then we do not know that you are actually there.
• There are often several people in the waiting room who come for a different type of examination, so it can happen that someone who comes into the waiting room after you will be helped sooner.

The research

• A lab technician will ask you to come along and show you to a changing room.
• In the cubicle, strip off the part of your body that needs to be examined. Wait quietly in the cubicle until you are called.
• The laboratory technician or radiologist will then show you how to sit on the examination table.
• Gel is applied to the skin to improve contact between the skin and the transducer. The transducer is moved over the skin and the image on the screen is studied at the same time.
• The examination is not painful, but it may be necessary to apply pressure to the abdomen with the transducer in order to obtain a good image.
• The duration of the examination may vary from 5 to 15 minutes.

Going home

• The results will be sent to your doctor or physician.
• He will contact you to discuss the results.

The (general) practitioner who requested the examination will receive the results within 24 hours. He/she will contact you to discuss the results.

Ultrasound has been used since 1960. Up to now, no adverse effects of ultrasound have been reported. An ultrasound can therefore be considered safe.