Private Ultrasound Scans in Birmingham

Glue ear occurs when the eustachian tube stops draining the mucus in the middle ear, causing it to build up and get sticky. This is usually caused by a previous ear infection, allergies or smoke irritation.

Inserting grommets allows air to flow through the middle ear. This, in turn, prevents the build-up of fluid that affects hearing.

An ultrasound scan is an imaging procedure used to examine the soft tissues, organs and blood flow. It is performed using an ultrasound machine that sends and receives inaudible sound waves to and from various internal parts of the body.

Ultrasound machines are made up of three main components – a computer console, a video monitor and a small hand-held device called a transducer. For some specific types of ultrasound scans, a probe is also attached to the transducer to access organs via a body cavity.

For example, a transvaginal ultrasound can be used to obtain clear images of the uterus and ovaries by inserting a probe into the vagina

The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the examined area of the body and transmits the echoing (return) sound back to the computer. The computer registers the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves and interprets the information in the context of the type of tissue to produce a real-time image of the area, which is displayed on the video monitor. This is the same principle used by sonar on boats and ships.

The ultrasound machine can determine how far echo waves have travelled to calculate the location of the examined object,ct, and it can also provide information about its size, consistency and shape. Our specialist sonographers can use this imaging technique to detect abnormalities such as fluid retention, infection, cysts and tumours.

General ultrasounds don’t require any preparation. Sometimes, depending on the procedure, you may be asked to drink 4-6 glasses of water an hour before the scan or to stop eating or drinking up to 12 hours before the scan.

Also, it’s advised to wear comfortable, loose clothing to provide easy access to the area that will be examined. In some cases, you may be asked to remove clothing, and we would use drapes to respect your dignity.

During an ultrasound scan, you may occasionally experience some slight discomfort, but the procedure is generally painless.

A general ultrasound usually takes no longer than 30 minutes, but in some cases, it may take up to one hour.

Usually, ultrasound results are available the same day to discuss with your doctor. The report will be shared with the requesting doctor.

Ultrasound scanning is one of the most widely used diagnostic imaging techniques due to its numerous advantages.

The procedure is:

• • Non-invasive

• • Painless

• • Safe and uses no radiation (unlike X-rays)

• • Safe for expectant mothers and their unborn babies

• • Done in real-time

• • Less expensive

• • Capable of producing clear soft tissue images that can’t be achieved by an X-ray

The ultrasound procedure has several limitations, so it is not recommended for examination:

• • Air-filled lungs or bowels, as the imaging can be affected by air or gas

• • Bone structures, as the sound cannot penetrate bones; an MRI is preferred in this scenario

• • Overweight patients, as the thickness of the soft tissue may weaken the soundwaves

No, there currently are no known negative effects of ultrasound scans on the human body.