Ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images to monitor pregnancies, assess organs and soft tissues, and evaluate blood flow in blood vessels. This procedure can look at the structures of your body without the use of radiation or contrast dye.

What to expect

  • Preparing for your appointment

    Patient preparation differs depending on which part of the body is being examined. Please make sure you follow the preparation instructions provided to you at the time the appointment was made. If you have not prepared properly we may not be able to complete your test and you may have to reschedule your appointment.

    Arrival

    Please arrive early for your appointment. Give yourself time to find parking and check in at Medical Imaging before your appointment. Bring a government-issued photo identification and your BC Services Card (personal health number). 

    Duration

    The duration of the ultrasound can vary depending on the type of test. The test can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 60 minutes or more.

    Meals

    Depending on the type of ultrasound test, you might be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 12 hours before you arrive. You will be provided with specific instructions at the time of booking or from your health-care provider.

    Clothing

    For your comfort, please wear clothing that can easily be moved out of the way or removed if necessary. In some appointments, you will be provided a hospital gown to change into.

    Bringing a support person

    If you need a patient companion, they may accompany you before and after the scanning portion of the test. Your patient companion may be asked to wait outside the examination room during the scan.

  • During the ultrasound scan

    Room set-up

    You will be taken to an examination room and asked to lie down on a stretcher. The room will typically be dimly lit to help the sonographer see the monitor and the images that are taken during the test. While the sonographer is scanning, they will not be able to turn the screen towards you.

    Gel application

    A water-based gel will be applied to the area of your body that will be examined. This gel helps the ultrasound probe/transducer make better contact with your skin and allows sound waves to pass through more easily

    Comfort

    Ultrasound examinations are generally painless. You will feel slight pressure as the sonographer moves the ultrasound transducer, but it is usually well-tolerated.

  • Getting your scan results

    The sonographers are registered and trained to perform your test. Radiologists are physicians who are qualified to read and interpret the images that the sonographer obtains during the test.

    • For this reason, sonographers cannot discuss the results with you. The final report from the radiologist will be sent to your referring health care provider.
    • The images captured during the ultrasound examination will be read and interpreted by a radiologist. Afterwards, they will send the final report to your health care provider with any findings and may provide recommendations.

    The final report takes 2 to 3 business days to be sent to your referring health care provider. Urgent results will be phoned to your health care provider as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need a referral from my doctor?

    Your health-care provider will need to submit a filled medical imaging requisition form to our clinic. Learn more on how to access and book an appointment for this service at a location near you -- see the list of clinics below. 

  • What causes the noise in the MRI scanner?

    The loud noises are caused by the operation of the magnetic coils in an MRI scanner machine. 

    When the MRI machine takes images, it uses powerful electromagnetic pulses that cause the coils and magnets to turn on and off rapidly. This creates vibrations and mechanical movements that result in the loud knocking, buzzing, or tapping sounds. 

    Different sequences of images create different patterns of sound. The loud noises are part of the MRI technology and are not a sign of a problem or malfunction. The MRI machines are designed to minimize the noise levels as much as possible, however, it can still be quite loud. 

    Most MRI centers provide earplugs, headphones or music to help reduce the noise and make the experience more comfortable.

Resources

    • Having a prostate ultrasound

      Information for patients having an prostate ultrasound (transrectal ultrasound or TRUS)

    • Having an ultrasound scan

      Patient information on ultrasound imaging.

    • Having an endovaginal ultrasound scan

      Information for patients undergoing an endovaginal ultrasound scan.

    • Having a prenatal ultrasound scan at 18 to 20 weeks

      Patient information on prenatal ultrasound, also known as pregnancy or obstetrical ultrasound provides information about the baby's size and position, organs, heart rate, etc.

    • Medical imaging requisition form

Find this service near you

OR
  • Ultrasound at Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre

    899 West 12th Avenue Vancouver
  • Ultrasound at Koerner Pavilion (UBC)

    2211 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver
  • Ultrasound at Lions Gate Hospital

    231 East 15th Street North Vancouver
  • Ultrasound at qathet General Hospital

    5000 Joyce Avenue Powell River
  • Ultrasound at Richmond Hospital

    7000 Westminster Highway Richmond
  • Ultrasound at Sechelt | shíshálh Hospital

    5544 Sunshine Coast Highway Sechelt
  • Ultrasound at Squamish General Hospital

    38140 Behrner Drive Squamish
  • Community health centres

    Ultrasound at Whistler Health Care Centre

    4380 Lorimer Road Whistler
  • Ultrasound at ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital (Bella Bella)

    88 Waglisla Street Bella Bella