Ultrasound

Ultrasound works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. These waves bounce back differently depending on the tissue they pass through, and the machine converts those signals into a live image on screen. Unlike X-rays, which are best for dense structures like bone, ultrasound is excellent for soft tissues and fluid-filled structures.

At UMC Victoria Hospital, ultrasound is used across multiple departments:

• Obstetrics and gynaecology — to monitor foetal development, confirm pregnancy, assess the placenta, detect ectopic pregnancies, and evaluate the uterus and ovaries
• Abdominal imaging — to examine the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys for stones, cysts, masses, or organ enlargement
• Urology — to assess the bladder, prostate, and urinary tract for obstruction or abnormality
• Cardiology — echocardiography uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and function
• Musculoskeletal — to look at tendons, muscles, and joints, particularly where MRI is not immediately available
• Vascular — to assess blood flow in arteries and veins, including the detection of deep vein thrombosis
• Procedural guidance — ultrasound is used to guide biopsies, drainages, and injections with precision

The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and typically completed within twenty to forty minutes, depending on the area being examined. Here is what to expect:

• You will be asked to lie on an examination couch, with the relevant area of the body exposed
• A small amount of clear gel is applied to the skin - this ensures good contact between the probe and the body surface, allowing sound waves to travel through without interference
• The sonographer or doctor moves a handheld probe gently across the skin, capturing images from different angles
• You will be able to see the screen in most cases, and the clinician will explain what they are seeing, where appropriate
• For some pelvic or early obstetric scans, a transvaginal probe may be used internally for a clearer view - this will be explained and consented beforehand

Results are usually discussed with you at the time of the scan or shortly after, and a formal report is sent to your referring doctor.

Preparation depends on the area being examined. Following the instructions given by your doctor or the radiology team helps ensure the best possible image quality:

• Abdominal scan — you will usually be asked to fast for four to six hours beforehand. This reduces bowel gas and gives a clearer view of organs such as the gallbladder and liver
• Pelvic scan — a full bladder is often required, as it helps displace bowel and improves visibility of the uterus and ovaries. Drink water as instructed and avoid emptying your bladder before the scan
• Obstetric scan — requirements vary by trimester. Your doctor will advise you specifically
• Renal or vascular scan — generally, no special preparation is needed
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned
• Bring any previous imaging results or scan reports if you have them — comparison is often helpful

Ultrasound offers several advantages that make it one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in both hospital and outpatient settings:

• No radiation — safe for patients of all ages, including pregnant women and young children
• Real-time imaging — the clinician can observe movement, blood flow, and organ function as it happens
• Non-invasive and painless — no injections, no incisions, and no sedation required in most cases
• Versatile — useful across obstetrics, surgery, medicine, and emergency care
• Immediate results — findings can often be communicated to the patient on the same visit
• Safe for repeated use — there are no cumulative exposure concerns, making it suitable for ongoing monitoring

At UMC Victoria Hospital, a leading Ultrasound Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, our team of experts provides the most advanced ultrasound scanning service. Whether you are attending for a routine obstetric check, investigating an abdominal symptom, or requiring imaging to support a clinical procedure, our team is equipped to provide accurate, timely results. If you have been referred for an ultrasound scan or would like to speak with one of our doctors about your symptoms, we are here to help.