GPs: How to refer patients for an Ultrasound

What Type of Examinations Do We Offer:

We are a dedicated diagnostic private ultrasound centre that offers all levels of general, obstetric and all areas of medical diagnostic ultrasound (with the exception of echo).

• Abdomen Ultrasound (to include Doppler if indicated)
• Pelvic  Ultrasound Scan(female)
• Pelvic Ultrasound Scan (male)
• Peripheral Arterial / Venous Scan
• Carotid Doppler Ultrasound Scan
• Gynaecological Ultrasound (to include 3D if Indicated)
• Renal Tract Ultrasound Scan
• Scrotal / Testes Ultrasound Scan
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scan
• Thyroid Gland Submandibular Ultrasound Scan
• Aortic Aneurysm Screening Ultrasound Scan
• Lumps and Bumps Ultrasound Scan
• Paediatric Ultrasound Scan
• All levels of Obstetric ultrasound including an early dating Scan

How to refer:
- HealthLink - We are on HealthLink as Ultrasound Ireland
- Secure (HealthMail Compatible) Email: hello@ultrasound.ie
- Urgent referral: Call 01 210 0232

It is very simple to refer to our centre by either telephone, fax or email. We offer appointments 7 days a week from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. We can accept immediate urgent appointments with a quick phone call to 01 210 0232.

If it is easier you can hand the referral to your patient and have them contact us directly.

Reports:

We have an immediate turn around for all urgent reports. In the event that there are no urgent findings we currently send reports by post. If there are urgent findings we call the GP office to send the results as quickly and securely as possible. It is very helpful if you can provide your healthmail email address.

Preparing for an Ultrasound:

Abdomen: For all abdominal and renal ultrasounds patients need to fast for at least 6 hours.

Pelvic: For all pelvic ultrasound for male and female patients need a full urinary bladder so please have them drink 500ml of water one hour prior to the examination time. 

Female Pelvic: If symptoms are not urgent it is best to refer for ultrasound around day 3 - 5 of their cycle when we can be more definitive in our diagnosis. If symptoms are acute then refer immediately.

We always perform both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound for all our female patients unless the opt out of the transvaginal or are not sexually active.

Most other scans require no preparation.