Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to capture live images of your internal body structures onto a monitor for interpretation. We work closely with The Prince Charles Hospital clinicians to help diagnose abdominal problems, assess blood vessels and examine the chest for fluid.
Our services
We offer a wide range of diagnostic ultrasound services for both adult and paediatric patients. We also provide specialised services such as ultrasound guided procedures. These include:
- Abdominal
- Pelvic including early pregnancy assessment (not including nuchal examinations)
- Paediatric and Adult Emergency
- Superficial parts (Neck, Breast, Groin)
- Musculoskeletal including guided injections
- Doppler venous (not including incompetency) and arterial studies
- US guided biopsy and drainage
- Pleural fluid assessment
- Vascular access including a comprehensive PICC service.
How to access this service
To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Medical imaging request form for The Prince Charles Hospital
How to prepare for your test
There are different preparations required depending on the area of your body being scanned. We will give you instructions on how to prepare for your scan.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing aids and mobility aids
- your sleep equipment – machine and accessories (CPAP or bilevel)
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
Frequently asked questions
Examinations usually take between 30 and 45 minutes.
After you change into a hospital gown (where appropriate), the sonographer will guide you throughout the procedure.
- You will be asked to lie in position on a trolley.
- Gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be scanned.
- Varying pressure is used with the ultrasound probe as it is moved around your body. This should not be painful and you should alert the sonographer if you have a sensitive area.
- You could be asked to hold your breath or roll into different positions during the scan.
- Once the scan is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin.
You can eat and drink normally after your scan is finished.
Your results will be sent to your doctor.
Contact us
Medical Imaging
Location: Ground floor, Main Building, The Prince Charles Hospital
Phone: (07) 3139 4555
Fax: (07) 3646 2608 or
(07) 3646 5376
Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.00pm
Emergency Imaging Department
Location: Ground floor, The Prince Charles Hospital
Phone: (07) 3139 6431
Open: 24/7
Need help outside hours?
For out-of-hours support call TPCH on (07) 3139 4000.
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the medical imaging request form for The Prince Charles Hospital, or call the Medical Imaging department on (07) 3139 6664 or fax (07) 3139 4253.