Quick answer
An ultrasound (sonography or USG) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs. It uses no radiation, is safe in pregnancy and during childhood, and is the first-line investigation for many abdominal, pelvic, obstetric and soft-tissue complaints.
10-45 minTypical scan time
0 mSvRadiation exposure
15+Scan types offered
FemaleSonographer on request
Ultrasound services we offer
Each study is performed by a trained sonographer and reported by a consultant radiologist.
Whole-abdomen ultrasound
- Organs assessed: liver, gall bladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate (men), uterus and ovaries (women).
- Common indications: abdominal pain, jaundice, indigestion, urinary symptoms, palpable lumps, abnormal liver-function tests.
- Detects: gallstones, kidney stones, fatty liver, organ enlargement, cysts, many tumours.
- Preparation: 6-8 hours of fasting (sips of water allowed).
KUB ultrasound (kidneys, ureter, bladder)
- Common indications: flank pain, blood in urine, frequency, urgency, recurrent UTI.
- Detects: kidney stones, hydronephrosis, bladder wall thickening, post-void residual urine, prostate enlargement.
- Preparation: moderately full bladder.
Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal)
- Evaluates: uterus, ovaries and bladder in women; bladder and prostate in men.
- Common indications: menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, infertility, follow-up of fibroids, cysts, polyps.
- Preparation: full bladder is essential — drink 750 ml-1 litre of water 60 minutes before.
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS)
- Best for: early pregnancy, infertility workup, follicular monitoring, abnormal uterine bleeding.
- Provides: higher-resolution images of uterus and ovaries than transabdominal scans.
- Performed by or with: a female team member, with explicit consent.
Obstetric ultrasound
A complete range of obstetric ultrasound studies, in strict compliance with the PC-PNDT Act:
- Early pregnancy / dating scan (6-9 weeks) — confirms pregnancy, location, viability, number of foetuses.
- NT scan (11-13+6 weeks) — first-trimester aneuploidy screening with crown-rump length and nuchal translucency.
- Anomaly / TIFFA scan (18-22 weeks) — detailed structural assessment of foetal organs.
- Growth and well-being scans (28+ weeks) — growth, amniotic fluid, foetal movement, placental position.
- Obstetric Doppler — uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral artery flow in high-risk pregnancies.
Important: Sex determination is illegal in India and is not performed at our centre under any circumstances. Form F documentation is mandatory and meticulously maintained.
Thyroid, breast and small parts
- Thyroid ultrasound — goitre, nodules, neck swellings, post-surgical follow-up; structured TIRADS-based reporting.
- Breast ultrasound — symptomatic lumps, nipple discharge, focal pain, follow-up of cystic disease; valuable in younger women with dense breast tissue.
- Scrotal & testicular — pain, swelling, varicocele, hydrocele, infertility-related concerns, palpable lumps.
- Soft-tissue — characterising lumps, abscesses, lipomas, cysts; can guide drainage.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) — rotator cuff, tennis elbow, Achilles tendon, plantar fasciitis, ganglion cysts, muscle injuries.
Doppler ultrasound
| Doppler study | Common indications |
|---|
| Venous (lower / upper limb) | Suspected DVT, varicose veins, leg swelling |
| Arterial | Claudication, rest pain, peripheral arterial disease, dialysis fistula |
| Renal | Hypertension workup, suspected renal artery stenosis, transplant follow-up |
| Carotid | Stroke prevention, dizziness, TIA, atherosclerosis screening |
| Obstetric | High-risk pregnancy, IUGR, pregnancy-induced hypertension |
How to prepare for your ultrasound
Specific instructions are sent on WhatsApp when you book. Quick reference:
- Whole abdomen: 6-8 hours fasting; sips of water allowed; no carbonated drinks the previous night.
- Pelvis / lower abdomen: drink 750 ml-1 litre water 60 minutes before; do not empty the bladder.
- Obstetric (after 12 weeks): no special preparation; bring previous obstetric records and photo ID.
- Thyroid / breast / scrotal / soft tissue: no fasting; wear loose clothing.
- Doppler: avoid heavy meals and caffeine for 2 hours before, especially for arterial studies.
What to expect on the day
- Check-in & consentFront desk verifies your prescription and ID; preparation is confirmed.
- Change & positioningChange into a gown if needed; lie comfortably on the examination couch.
- The scanThe sonographer applies warm conductive gel and moves the probe gently across the area. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly.
- Duration10-30 minutes for most scans; 30-45 minutes for detailed obstetric or Doppler studies.
- After the scanGel is wiped off; you can resume normal activities immediately. Consultant radiologist prepares the signed report.
- Report deliveryReport dispatched on WhatsApp and email within hours; printed copy on request.
Is ultrasound safe?
- No ionising radiation — ultrasound uses sound waves only.
- No known harmful effects at diagnostic intensities.
- Can be repeated as often as clinically necessary.
- Modality of choice in pregnancy and paediatric abdominal complaints.
Note: An ultrasound is a diagnostic test, not a diagnosis. Your treating doctor will combine the report with your symptoms, examination findings and other tests before any treatment decision.
